The Basque Government has reaffirmed its commitment to memory, victims, and coexistence on the 15th anniversary of ETA's announcement to cease violence. Spokesperson Maria Ubarretxena read a institutional declaration recalling all victims and highlighting the Basque society's progress in coexistence, democracy, and freedom over the past fifteen years, as well as the development of public policies on Memory and Human Rights.
The declaration reaffirms the Basque Government's commitment to victims' right to truth, justice, and reparation, and advocates for memory as a social, institutional, and political duty, calling for sincere recognition of the suffering caused and emphasizing that the past should serve as a reference to strengthen coexistence and democratic values.
Additionally, the Governing Council approved the regulatory bases and convened direct aid for Basque participation in international R&D projects selected in the competitive call “Call for Transnational Proposals 2025 – “Better care closer to home: Enhancing primary and community care”.
As explained by spokesperson Maria Ubarretxena, agents integrated into the Basque Network of Science, Technology and Innovation (RVCTI) can access these grants. A mandatory requirement is the participation of at least one accredited agent from theRVCTI in the category of Health Research Center within the beneficiary consortium. Projects may last two or three years, with applications submitted electronically.
The total amount for the call is 300,000 euros. Eligible expenses include personnel costs, goods and services, travel, and indirect costs. Aid will be granted directly and on an individual basis.
Furthermore, a direct subsidy of 65,000 euros was authorized to the Association of Colombians and Colombians in Euskadi, ASOCOLVAS, for the development of the project Bizkaia Saretzen 2026. This initiative aims to create and consolidate an intercultural and intergenerational community network to facilitate social participation, relationship building, volunteering, and mutual support.
The Governing Council also approved the 2026 grants for organizing social events to revitalize Euskadi's rural and coastal areas. The call has an economic allocation of 200,000 euros, with subsidies of up to 15,000 euros per activity, not exceeding 60% of the total cost.
Finally, spokesperson and Minister of Governance, Digital Administration, and Self-government, Maria Ubarretxena, announced her participation in the Europa Power Conference in Strasbourg on Thursday, October 22nd. She will speak on a panel about the role of regions, cities, and local authorities in strengthening Europe.
