The first meeting between both administrations took place last Friday, marking the beginning of a process for the islands to gain greater control over key areas. The Canarian Minister of the Presidency, Nieves Lady Barreto, highlighted that “paths have been opened” after this initial encounter.
“"It was a first meeting, a first contact. But we have opened the way. From this moment on, we have a bilateral agenda for the Governments of Spain and the Canary Islands."
Representing the Government of Spain was Miryam Álvarez, Secretary General for Territorial Coordination of the Ministry of Territorial Policy and Democratic Memory. Álvarez agreed with Barreto on the confidence that both administrations will achieve good harmony and success in the negotiations.
Upcoming meetings, primarily conducted remotely, will include other ministries, such as the Ministry of Transport, to address the proposed issues more specifically. Agreements are expected to be reached as soon as possible.
In addition to airport co-management, the Canary Islands requested the creation of a second bilateral commission to discuss the fiscal incentives of the REF, based on the second additional provision of the Statute of Autonomy. This provision contemplates mechanisms for collaboration and joint management between tax administrations.
Another significant issue addressed was the need to extend the execution period for European funds allocated to renewable energy projects. The Government of the Canary Islands, along with energy and business sector organizations, is urging Madrid and European institutions to extend the current deadline, which ends in July 2026, until December 31, 2028. Failure to secure this extension could jeopardize approximately 200 million euros from the Recovery and Resilience Mechanism (MRR) for the Canary Islands.
