Taxation is not merely a revenue-generating instrument but a strategic lever to guide the economic model, boost technological innovation, and support the energy transition. This was one of the central ideas presented by the Deputy Minister of Finance of the Basque Government during the conference “Taxation as a Tool for Technological Innovation and Energy Transition,” held today at the B Accelerator Tower in Bilbao.
Addressing representatives from the business, institutional, and financial sectors, the Deputy Minister emphasized the value of the Economic Agreement as a unique model of fiscal self-governance. This agreement grants Euskadi a decision-making capacity in tax matters comparable to that of any state. In a European context marked by monetary policy centralization and fiscal restrictions, this autonomy, he underscored, becomes the country's primary economic policy instrument.
During his speech, he highlighted that the Economic Agreement allows for the design of a fiscal policy tailored to Euskadi's specific priorities and sustains close, transparent, and stable Regional Treasuries. These provide legal certainty and constitute a distinctive competitive factor in the international environment. Regulatory stability and institutional trust are currently economic assets of the highest order.
“"Fully utilizing our fiscal capacity is not just a matter of self-governance. It is a commitment to greater well-being, more quality employment, and increased prosperity for Euskadi."
Within this framework, the Deputy Minister reviewed the evolution of regional taxation over recent decades, emphasizing its constant orientation towards promoting economic activity, innovation, quality employment, and social cohesion. The tax reforms of 2014 and 2018, as well as the tax review of 2025, have consolidated a model that champions business competitiveness, the green transition, entrepreneurship, and cultural and social patronage.
One of the central themes of the intervention was the link between taxation, industry, and prosperity. In this regard, the Deputy Minister framed fiscal policy within the Industry Plan – Euskadi 2030, presented in 2025. This plan stems from a shared conviction: industry is the past, present, and future of the country. “More industry, better industry, and fewer emissions” is not just a slogan but a strategy to generate stable and high-quality employment for future generations.
