The President of the Basque Government calls for a new political alliance so that Europe achieves “true autonomy” in its reindustrialisation

• The 14 participating industrial territories claim their central role in the main strategic value chains — from clean and digital technologies to biotechnology and life sciences
• “We are launching a call for a renewed alliance among territories, Member States and European institutions. Only in this way will we achieve an agile and effective Europe, with true political autonomy,” the Lehendakari stated

The Lehendakari Imanol Pradales closed this Tuesday the second edition of the Leaders Meeting – Fit for the Future, at an event held at the Euskalduna Palace which concluded with the signing of the ‘Bilbao Declaration 2026’; a document that constitutes a political and strategic position of the 14 industrial territories present at the forum and which sets out their shared commitments regarding industrial competitiveness, innovation and strategic technologies. “The most industrialised and innovative regions, territories and nations of Europe are ready to act with unity, ambition and a forward-looking vision. We are key to guaranteeing Europe’s political and strategic autonomy at this decisive moment,” the Lehendakari affirmed.

In a context marked by technological acceleration, geopolitical tensions and profound social changes, the ‘Bilbao Declaration’ highlights the need to strengthen Europe’s capacity to generate sustainable prosperity, industrial competitiveness and strategic autonomy. “Territories and sub-state realities must have their own voice and the capacity to co-participate in decisions, investments and governance in Europe’s resurgence,” defended Imanol Pradales.

In this regard, the signed text reflects this political will and ambition and points to the need for a profound review of the European Union’s institutional functioning. “We have decided to act jointly to address uncertainty with a concrete roadmap. We are taking a step to strengthen European sovereignty alongside clusters in three strategic areas: Clean technologies, Artificial Intelligence and quantum technologies, and Health and biotechnology,” Pradales emphasised.

Likewise, public-private collaboration is consolidated as a strategic driver of transformation in the three key sectors addressed through the clusters participating in the initiative: Clean technologies, digital technologies such as artificial intelligence and quantum technologies, and Biosciences.

Overall, the Bilbao Declaration articulates a shared vision based on four interdependent principles:

• Multilevel governance as a strategic imperative: Europe’s transformative capacity depends on effective cooperation among the European, national and regional levels. Regions must be recognised as strategic partners in the design and implementation of policies; therefore, a substantive application of the principle of subsidiarity is called for, moving beyond uniform approaches and recognising territorial diversity.
• Competitiveness, industrial leadership and value chain resilience: Industrial policy must promote research, innovation and collaboration throughout the entire value chain, consolidating European leadership in strategic areas such as clean technologies, digitalisation, semiconductors, microelectronics and biotechnology.
• Innovation, knowledge and skills for an inclusive society: European scientific excellence must translate into global competitiveness. The Declaration calls for increased investment in R&D&I, scientific, digital and technological infrastructure, as well as better access to private financing.
• Sustainability and green transition: The Declaration reaffirms its commitment to clean energy, the circular economy and sustainable mobility, emphasising that sustainability, competitiveness and inclusion must move forward together.

Call for European action

The Declaration states that the coming years will be decisive in turning European ambitions into tangible results. In this regard, it calls for the next Multiannual Financial Framework after 2027 to fully recognise the role of regions as strategic partners in Europe’s industrial and innovation agenda. “We are launching a call for a renewed alliance among territories, Member States and European institutions. Only in this way will we achieve an agile and effective Europe, with true political autonomy,” the Lehendakari stated.

Finally, the Lehendakari committed to ensuring that what was agreed in the ‘Bilbao Declaration’ is put into practice as soon as possible. “We have a great responsibility: to strengthen the industrial base, to strengthen democracy and Europe. We are essential for European policies to succeed and have a real impact — not only in their implementation, but also in their design and evaluation,” he concluded.

Regional Minister for Industry Mikel Jauregi participates in the European industrial summit “Leaders Meeting”

The Regional Minister for Industry of the Basque Government, Mikel Jauregi, pa