Within the framework of the FSE+ 2021-2027 Monitoring Committee held in Bilbao, the regional government highlighted the crucial role of regions in the new multiannual financial framework for 2028-2034. This stance continues the institutional work undertaken with representatives from the European Commission's Directorate-General for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion (DG EMPL), coordinated by the Directorate of Economic Policy and European Cohesion led by Itziar Fernández.
During the Committee meeting, the Director of Economic Policy and European Cohesion advocated for a "modern and decentralized cohesion policy, with multilevel governance and a truly inclusive architecture that recognizes the key role of regions with their own legislative powers in the implementation of the new Multiannual Financial Framework."
With this position, the Basque Government has once again stressed its commitment to actively participate in shaping the future funding framework and post-2027 European programs, demanding real and effective decision-making capacity in defining and executing the regional chapter corresponding to Euskadi.
“"We have done this by submitting our proposals to European institutions, working with other regions, and defending a vision of Europe that combines strategic ambition, territorial cohesion, and multilevel governance."
The director highlighted that the Basque Country's FSE+ Programme is progressing satisfactorily towards its objectives of promoting access to and maintenance of quality employment, and fostering the social and labor inclusion of people with disabilities and those at risk of poverty or social exclusion.
The Monitoring Committee, comprising economic and social stakeholders from Euskadi, representatives of beneficiary entities, and representatives from Lanbide, Emakunde, and the Department of Welfare, Youth, and Demographic Challenge, shared the progress in executing projects co-financed by FSE+ Basque Country 2021-2027 after the mid-term review. The analysis confirmed a positive evolution of indicators and the development of planned actions.
The Committee meeting also facilitated the continuation of information exchange initiated during the European delegation's institutional visit to Euskadi, deepening mutual understanding of the policies promoted by the Basque Government to address challenges shared by European regions, such as quality employment, social inclusion, equal opportunities, talent availability, and the demographic challenge.
As part of their stay in Euskadi, representatives from the European Commission also had the opportunity to see firsthand several projects funded by the European Social Fund Plus. The delegation visited initiatives developed by the entities Agiantza and Gaztaroa in the San Francisco neighborhood of Bilbao within the Sendotu Aldiberean 2024-2027 project.
During the tour, attendees learned about orientation, training, support, and socio-labor insertion experiences aimed at vulnerable individuals, as well as collaboration models between social entities and local stakeholders to create inclusion and employment opportunities. The visit provided direct evidence of the impact of European funds on improving people's living conditions and strengthening social cohesion in neighborhoods.
The day also concludes with a focus on new initiatives for reflection and dissemination on the value of these policies. In this regard, on December 16th, the conference "Itinerarios Sendotu-Aldiberean. Building Opportunities for a More Inclusive Society" will be held at Itsasmuseum Bilbao, organized to address the challenges of personal, social, and labor inclusion for individuals in situations of greater vulnerability.
