On 29 April 2026, UNIDAS4EU partners gathered in Felgueiras, in Portugal's Tâmega e Sousa region, for the UNIDAS4EU International Seminar, held as part of a study visit and welcoming project partners in an official reception. The seminar was dedicated to strengthening European cooperation on the prevention of domestic violence and support for victims.
The seminar showcased the UNIDAS intermunicipal model, developed across the eleven municipalities of the Tâmega e Sousa region and recognised as an URBACT Good Practice. Participants explored its governance framework, the coordination mechanisms underpinning the network, and the added value of integrated cooperation between municipalities, national institutions, and specialised victim support services. European partners also shared the realities of their own territories and reflected on the opportunities and challenges associated with transferring the model to different local contexts.
Contributions from the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights, the URBACT Secretariat, and the Portuguese URBACT National Point complemented the discussions by presenting the broader European policy context and opportunities for cooperation through the URBACT Programme.
Key Conclusions from the seminar:
The UNIDAS intermunicipal model demonstrates the value of coordinated governance across eleven municipalities in preventing and responding to domestic violence.
European exchange supports mutual learning and facilitates the adaptation of governance models to different territorial contexts.
Multi-level cooperation between municipalities, national institutions, and specialised services is essential for effective victim support.
Political commitment and institutional collaboration are key factors for sustainable and coordinated local responses.
Sharing practical experiences strengthens the transfer process and supports evidence-based policy development.
Transferability Perspective:
The seminar highlighted that transferring the UNIDAS model requires more than replicating structures. Successful adaptation depends on understanding the governance principles behind the model and fostering collaboration between local authorities, public institutions, and specialised services within each partner city.
The event demonstrated that effective transfer is built on mutual learning, political commitment, and sustained cooperation between European cities working towards stronger, more integrated responses to domestic violence.