The Basque Country and Wales have given a boost to economic, social, linguistic and cultural projects

The Basque Government and the Welsh Government have strengthened cooperation between the two regions in order to give new impetus to the joint development of projects in the economic, fiscal, industrial, social, linguistic and cultural fields, at a 'momentous' time for those seeking to destroy the global order based on peace, international law and multilaterality.

This has been stated by President Imanol Pradales at the Ajuria Enea Convention following the reception of Welsh Chief Minister Eluned Morgan. Both leaders have signed the renewal of the Memorandum of Understanding signed by the two regions in 2018 to seek new opportunities for cooperation.

This agreement mentions common projects in the areas of sustainable mobility and transport, the environment and climate change, technology and innovation, renewable energy, agri-food, education, fiscal policies, health and social services, as well as language and cultural policies.

Thesigning of the memorandum also addressed the Atlantic Macroregion , which could be implemented by 2027.

The President recalled that Wales, although not a member of the European Union, is a member of the Atlantic Arc Commission and has worked to implement the project of this macro-region 'in order to gain political weight, build networks and develop joint projects of greater scope throughout the Atlantic and transatlantic façade'.

Pradales has stressed that the events of the beginning of the year show that it is more necessary than ever to protect democratic values and strengthen Europe, and has pointed out that this agreement with Wales is a step forward that "two nations" want to make a contribution to competitiveness, security and well-being, "not from the reason of force, but from the force of reason."

He points out that Euskadi and Wales defend the founding values ofthe "post-war European project" against the global rise of authoritarian leaders and populist and extremist movements.

It has also advocated continuing to promote identity, culture and languages of its own and exploring shared projects linked to the ecological, technological and demographic transition.

For his part, Minister Eluned Morgan, in a joint appearance with the President, has described the agreement with the Basque Country as "historic" and has used Welsh, Spanish and English.

Wales has stated that it has learned a great deal from the Basque Country and that we must work primarily on the economy, new technologies, renewable energies and cultural and linguistic relations.

Although Wales is not part of the EU, it believes that there is a chance of future growth with the Basque Country.

Following the signing of the memorandum, the Chief Minister of Wales shall hold institutional meetings and visits with the actors involved in innovation, industry and international projection.

The first memorandum of cooperation between the Basque Country and Wales was signed in 2018 by the then leaders of the two regions, Lehendakari Iñigo Urkullu and Chief Minister Carwyn Jones, and subsequently renewed.

In 2023, Welsh Chief Minister Mark Drakeford made an official visit to the Basque Country to discuss progress in cooperation projects.

In renewing the memorandum signed this Thursday, both governments have agreed to set up a monitoring committee to regularly monitor projects and have specified that the treaty will be published in four years' time.