These are the five powers that the Basque Government will assume this Friday

The Basque Government and the Spanish Government have finally reached an agreement on the transfer of five new competences to the Basque Country, which will take place at the meeting of the Joint Transfer Commission in Madrid this Friday.

The Basque Government shall have the following powers:

1. Unemployment benefits

Although the Basque Government manages through Lanbide various aspects relating to unemployment, such as active employment policies and non-contributory benefits, the transfer of the share of contributory benefits, i.e. unemployment, which is paid after a period of contribution, is pending. With this transfer, the Basque Government will manage all economic aspects relating to unemployment.

It is the most important of the five transfers. It is estimated that the Basque Administration would manage about 822 million euros a year. The transfer would include the transfer of 30 offices and 534 workers from the State Employment Service (SEPE), although the regulatory capacity would be vested in the State.

2. Non-contributory social security benefits

The Basque Government shall be responsible for the management of pensions and allowances for persons who do not have sufficient resources or have insufficient contributions to receive contributory benefits, in particular non-contributory disability pensions and retirement pensions.

The Basque Government will therefore assume budgetary responsibility for these benefits, which will be reflected in the adjustment of the quota.

3. Maritime Rescue

The transfer will give the Basque Government the full management of maritime rescue in its waters, which means that it will be responsible for the organisation, coordination and direct carrying out of rescue and rescue operations, with the creation or assumption of the necessary fleet, as well as coordination centres and specialized personnel. In addition, the Basque Government will be able to set the corresponding fees and impose sanctions. The actions will be aimed, as hitherto, at protecting human lives and property, protecting the marine environment, strengthening safety and contributing to maritime traffic control.

It is expected to gain operational efficiency and coordination, seeking the support of fishermen, navigators, tourists and professionals, and ultimately all coastal users.

4. School insurance

The School Insurance protects students under 28 years of age who pursue official studies from 3rd grade of Compulsory Secondary Education (E.S.O.) to the end of 3rd cycle of university education through health and financial benefits in the event of illness resulting from school accidents and family accidents.

This specific insurance shall be regulated and supervised by the Basque Government within its competence in the field of education.

5. Barakaldo Machinery Verification Centre

The Basque Government will take over the management of the Machinery Verification Centre of the Autonomous Community of the Basque Country, located in Barakaldo, which conducts inspections and certifications of industrial equipment to ensure its safety.

It remains to be seen whether, in addition to the management and activity of the building, the management of the staff will be transferred. This is an issue that has been claimed by the CCOO union, which represents the entire staff. According to the head of Occupational Health of the union, Alfonso Ríos, "the workers have expressed their willingness" to the Basque Government to take over its management, although, for the time being, "they have no information on this matter".