The Minister of Tourism, Commerce, and Consumption of the Basque Government, Javier Hurtado, detailed in the Basque Parliament the policies to guarantee the future of local commerce, responding to an interpellation from EH Bildu. Hurtado highlighted that the sector faces a triple transition: environmental, sociodemographic, and digital, which is altering consumption habits and relationship methods.

In response to this reality, the Basque Government is promoting the Merkataritza 2030 Strategy, a roadmap developed with the sector to move towards more innovative, sustainable, and competitive commerce. This strategy will foster commercial innovation, notably through the Commercial Innovation Hub, connecting entrepreneurs, consultancies, and institutions.

Furthermore, a new Law on Commercial Activity is being drafted to replace the 1994 regulatory framework, adapting regulations to the current reality marked by digitalization, omnichannel approaches, and new sustainability demands. The future of local commerce requires the involvement of administrations and citizens through local consumption.

In the past year, over 1,100 businesses received modernization aid, and nearly 500 companies participated in digitalization programs. In 2025, the MEC program approved 1,123 modernization projects, and Eus-Commerce digitalized 500 companies.

Hurtado reiterated the Basque Government's commitment to strengthening aid and public-private collaboration to face upcoming challenges. He highlighted the consolidation of the Merkasaretza network and the 50 Commercial Assistance Points (PAC), as well as the MerkaEkin entrepreneurship program, and the continuation of established programs like Hirigune and MEC.