Lehendakari Imanol Pradales will participate this Friday in the La Toja Forum, joining a panel discussion with the presidents of Galicia and Catalunya, Alfonso Rueda and Salvador Illa, in a conversation titled “Competitiveness and territorial cohesion”. The event will bring together representatives from politics, economics, and academia to discuss major societal changes and Europe's future challenges. The discussion will be moderated by Antón Costas, president of the Economic and Social Council.
This conversation will allow for the sharing of perspectives from three territories with different realities but facing common challenges. Government spokesperson Maria Ubarretxena highlighted that the Lehendakari will attend the forum "with the aim of contributing Euskadi's vision and experiences regarding shared challenges, such as strengthening economic and industrial competitiveness, territorial development, and ensuring social cohesion and citizen well-being." She emphasized that "from a European perspective, dialogue and cooperation are fundamental to address these challenges and continue building competitive and cohesive territories."
In other news, the Basque Government has approved a direct subsidy of 777,000 euros to the Donostia-San Sebastián City Council to expand its program for homeless individuals, utilizing collaborating hospitality establishments. Nerea Melgosa, Minister of Welfare, Youth, and Demographic Challenge, explained that the goal is "to provide an immediate response to a basic need from a rights-based perspective, understood integrally and promoting their exercise in a normalized environment, avoiding segregated circuits and linking food assistance to inclusion processes and the recognition of human dignity."
This funding will enable the incorporation of up to 100 new individuals into the Otorduak program, through a new modality offering a daily complete meal, seven days a week, at the City Council's collaborating hospitality venues.
Furthermore, the Basque Government and the Cuadrilla de Añana have signed a collaboration agreement to launch the first GAZ service in the rural area of Álava. This initiative aims to support young people in their emancipation processes and bring public youth resources closer to a territory characterized by geographical dispersion and community roots. The new service will be located in Rivabellosa and will provide free, personalized, face-to-face support to young people aged 16 to 34.
Additionally, a new edition of the Good Practices in Friendliness Award has been approved, recognizing initiatives that improve the quality of life for older adults in Euskadi. The award, convened annually since 2019, values innovative and effective projects for creating environments that promote active aging. It is part of the Euskadi Lagunkoia Berria Program, which currently includes 90 adhering municipalities (40 in Bizkaia, 27 in Gipuzkoa, and 23 in Araba).
A proposal for the partial retirement of permanent staff within the Administration of Euskadi has also been authorized. This option will be voluntary and subject to Social Security requirements. It is estimated that approximately 628 individuals may be eligible for this plan, with an economic forecast of 19,960,830 euros for a duration of three and a half years. Maria Ubarretxena, Minister of Governance, Digital Administration, and Self-Government, explained that the main objective is to "facilitate and improve the early retirement of permanent staff."
Moreover, two calls for grants have been approved for the Basque Social Economy, aimed at promoting corporate social responsibility and fostering greater worker participation in companies, with a combined budget of 934,595 euros. The main allocation (755,800 euros) focuses on consolidating the associative structures of Social Economy entities, while the second (178,795 euros) supports the implementation of corporate social responsibility and worker participation.
Finally, a direct subsidy of €35,197.82 has been granted to Mercado de Barakaldo, S.L. for technological modernization and commercial revitalization. This project includes the installation of smart refrigerated cabins for omnichannel collection, training, and promotion to enhance the competitiveness of local commerce and boost the market's economic activity.
