This case study on Valencia is part of the annexes of the ESPON URDICO final report. Valencia, the third largest city in Spain, is governed by the Mayor-President and a 33-member City Council, managing competences such as urban planning, housing, transport, social services, and environmental protection.

The city engages with neighboring municipalities, provincial authorities, and national and international programmes, while citizen participation is fostered through statutory channels, the participatory budgeting process, and the Valencia 2030 Urban Strategy. Valencia has strengthened its use of European frameworks and funding through the dedicated European Projects Service, coordinating EU funds including ESIF, LIFE, Horizon, and Interreg programmes.

This annex explores how EU Cohesion Policy is integrated into Valencia’s governance, its administrative capacity, and the alignment of EU support with long-term urban strategies, highlighting key challenges and opportunities for sustainable urban development.