Murcia Achieves Second Highest Execution Rate of Next Generation EU Funds
Murcia achieves second-highest execution rate of Next Generation EU funds at 82%.
Key Points
- • Murcia has an execution rate of 82%, second after the Basque Country.
- • 435 million euros of 528 million euros allocated funds have been resolved.
- • 39,893 beneficiaries have received support, 52% of whom are small enterprises.
- • Criticism towards the central government's lack of coordination and transparency.
The Region of Murcia has emerged as a leader in the execution of Next Generation EU funds, achieving an impressive execution rate of 82%, which places it second only to the Basque Country at 85%. According to the latest report from the Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Business, Murcia has successfully resolved calls totaling 435 million euros out of a total allocation of 528 million euros, demonstrating effective regional economic management.
Luis Alberto Marín, the regional Minister of Economy, praised the initiatives undertaken by the regional government, including the establishment of a dedicated office focused on the coordination and management of these funds. He pointed out, however, that a lack of coordination and transparency from the central government has impeded the smoother execution of the recovery plan, underscoring the need for improved governance at that level.
The positive performance in Murcia contrasts sharply with the lower execution rates observed in other regions, including Aragón and Castilla-La Mancha at 78%, and Galicia at 77%. On the opposite end, Asturias and Canarias reported the lowest rates of 56% and 51%, respectively. Notably, a total of 39,893 beneficiaries in Murcia have received support, with micro and small enterprises accounting for 52% of those benefiting from these funds. Since its implementation in late 2020 as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Next Generation EU program has mobilized over 206 billion euros in grants and 111 billion euros in loans across the European Union.