Following a visit to the Gipuzkoa region, Aitor Esteban, president of the PNV, accompanied by local party spokespersons, emphasized the urgent need for progress on the Port of Pasaia and the rail infrastructure in Oarsoaldea. The party highlighted that the port, considered the "economic, industrial, and logistical heart" of the area, cannot afford further delays due to state-level setbacks.
The Basque nationalist party argues that the port infrastructure requires "its own decision-making capacity and investment under a national strategic vision." Consequently, they are demanding its transfer to Euskadi to "align it with the economic, industrial, and logistical priorities" of the Basque Country and transform it into "a tool serving competitiveness, European connectivity, the blue economy, and the industry of the future."
The PNV points out that the Port of Pasaia has identified investment needs exceeding 60 million euros until 2030 to ensure its competitiveness. Key actions cited include improving the navigability of the Lezo channel, rehabilitating quays, increasing depths, modernizing logistics spaces, and developing rail connections, all deemed "essential" for the port's future.
In their view, these requirements "demand closer, more committed management aligned with Euskadi's interests." They also stress that the port's future is inseparable from "the development of pending rail infrastructures."
Therefore, alongside the port's transfer, they are calling for the "immediate execution of the intermodal and logistics terminal in Lezo and the definitive promotion of all associated rail actions." Furthermore, they consider it a priority to accelerate the Astigarraga–Oiartzun–Lezo section of the Basque 'Y' to separate freight and passenger traffic, increase rail capacity, and ensure efficient connection with trans-European networks.
Finally, the PNV also advocates for the "immediate implementation of an international gauge (UIC) rail connection directly to the port," proposing a solution similar to the third-rail system implemented between Astigarraga and Irun.
