This public-private entity, celebrating its 35th anniversary, held a historic extraordinary assembly where it presented its future outlook and announced a change in leadership. José Antonio Garrido, who had served as president since the entity's inception in 1991, has passed the baton to Tomás Olano Uscola.

The new strategy highlights the Bilbao Estuary as a crucial axis for fostering economic growth, business establishment, and the development of an entrepreneurial ecosystem, in addition to «creating qualified employment». From a social perspective, emphasis is placed on integration and the «inclusion of second-generation migrants», whose contribution is vital in mitigating demographic decline.

Furthermore, the plan seeks to preserve «uniqueness, culture, and identity» by strengthening the Basque language (euskera) and artistic creation. The eradication of poverty and placing care, work-life balance, and mental health at the core of the metropolitan model are also proposed pillars.

The General Deputy of Bizkaia, Elixabete Etxanobe, opened the assembly, underscoring the association's importance as a forum for thought and coordination for the development of Bilbao's metropolitan area and the Territory of Bizkaia. Meanwhile, Lehendakari Imanol Pradales, in his closing speech, thanked José Antonio Garrido for his 35 years of dedication, praising his vision that enabled Bilbao to «look back to the estuary to shape its future».

The General Director of Bilbao Metropoli 30, Idoia Postigo, announced that the association is embarking on a new phase to extend the international success of the «Bilbao effect» to other municipalities in the metropolitan area and its neighborhoods. This will be guided by the roadmap of the «Bilbao Metropolitano 2050 Strategic Reflection», which involved over 200 representatives from associated entities and more than 50 international experts.