A Pact That Transcends the Present
The President of the Generalitat, Salvador Illa, and the leader of ERC, Oriol Junqueras, have signed a budget agreement that not only covers the year 2026 but also lays the groundwork for long-term planning until 2027 and beyond. This pact is crucial for ensuring political stability in Catalonia, allowing the Govern to manage the necessary resources until the end of the legislature in the summer of 2028.
The agreement includes commitments in 18 specific areas, highlighting vital projects such as the deployment of a new orbital railway line that will connect Garraf with Mataró without passing through Barcelona. This project will require collaboration between the central government and the Generalitat, with a financing protocol expected to be signed in 2026.
A significant part of the agreement involves the creation of a new consortium to manage state investments in Catalonia. Despite previous obstacles, both the Govern and ERC are determined to move forward on this front. Additionally, the Consorci de la Zona Franca will be reformed, allowing for greater Catalan participation in its governance.
In educational terms, 400 million euros will be allocated until 2030 to improve school infrastructures. Furthermore, an extraordinary fund of 250 million will be established to address historical deficiencies in Catalan health financing.
The agreement also includes significant measures against climate change. The protection of the Ebro Delta will be prioritised, and projects will be implemented to reduce emissions from the Catalan airport system. This ecological vision aligns with global sustainability goals.
The promotion of the use of Catalan will receive a considerable financial boost: over 100 million will be allocated to various cultural and linguistic initiatives. This includes investments in social networks and audiovisual media, as well as support for projects related to video games and commerce.
The plan also contemplates significant improvements for young people and the elderly. The Carnet Jove will be transformed with new benefits and increased resources allocated to youth mental health. For the elderly, new residences and day centres will be built, thus increasing the available places.
As Catalonia moves towards these ambitious goals, this agreement represents not only a political commitment between two key forces but also a clear roadmap towards a more sustainable and inclusive future. With strategic investments and well-defined structural reforms, Catalonia seeks to position itself as a model to follow within the Spanish and international context.
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