Euskadi and Andalucía Embrace People-Centered Economic Visions Amid Strong Growth and Social Inclusion

Regional leaders in Euskadi and Andalucía have articulated distinct but complementary economic visions focused on inclusive growth and social welfare, reflecting their commitment to strengthening local communities.

In Euskadi, Vicelehendakari Mikel Torres inaugurated the 89th Economic Prediction Board meeting in Vitoria-Gasteiz by advocating for a humanist economy centered on people. He emphasized connecting Euskadi’s strong economic indicators with the well-being of small communities. Notably, Euskadi uniquely integrates the Renta de Garantía de Ingresos (RGI) into its public employment service, Lanbide, which combines social protection with active labor market policies such as sector-specific training and personalized support. This approach, Torres highlighted, has contributed to reducing poverty levels below the national average and improving labor inclusion, especially among immigrants, young people, women, and older workers. He acknowledged challenges like the energy transition, geopolitical tensions, and demographic aging but underscored the region’s robust industrial sector and innovation capacity as strengths.

Meanwhile, in Andalucía, President Juanma Moreno painted a picture of solid and sustained economic development. Presenting at the Debate on the State of the Community, Moreno stressed Andalucía’s leadership in registering companies for four consecutive years, exceeding Catalonia, and reported employment figures surpassing 3.6 million. Exports have surged to over €200 billion since 2019, with a notable €49 billion increase compared to the previous six-year span. Foreign investment has also doubled to more than €5 billion over the past six years, driven by reduced bureaucracy, tax cuts, and increased stability. Moreno confessed his preference for cautious optimism given ongoing inflation and housing concerns but emphasized that household incomes have grown by over 30% through tax relief measures. The government’s significant commitment to public services is evidenced by planned expenditures of over €30 billion by 2026, an €11.4 billion increase since 2018, countering privatization claims.

Both Euskadi and Andalucía demonstrate economic progress through growth models that place people’s welfare at the core. Euskadi’s integration of social welfare with employment initiatives and Andalucía’s entrepreneurial dynamism with robust investment and public service spending exemplify a renewed vision focused on inclusive prosperity across Spanish regions.