The Economic and Social Council (CES) of the Canary Islands has recommended that the regional government conduct continuous monitoring of the demographic challenge strategy. The body emphasizes the importance of ensuring that the active population necessary to maintain the islands' economic structure does not decline. While the CES supports population control measures, it cautions against the risk of limiting labor entry, which could hinder economic activity—a problem already faced by Canary Islands companies due to difficulties in finding suitable profiles.
This is one of the key findings from the CES's 2025 annual report, recently presented at the headquarters of the Government of the Canary Islands in Santa Cruz de Tenerife. The report highlights that the islands are undergoing a demographic transition characterized by sustained population growth, an aging population, declining birth rates, concentration in stressed areas, and a significant increase in foreign population in recent years.
To maintain a robust economic fabric, the CES proposes promoting active policies to encourage birth rates, supported by work-life and family balance. These measures should be complemented by strategies for the social and labor integration of the foreign population. Furthermore, the organization considers an "orderly management of migratory flows" crucial to maintain inter-island demographic equilibrium, preventing rural depopulation and urban strain.
To consolidate emerging sectors and diversify the Canary Islands' economy, the CES suggests simplifying administrative procedures and aligning fiscal incentives such as the REF, ZEC, RIC, and DIC. This simplification extends to all public sectors to expedite response times. A "one-stop shop" for processing business projects is also proposed, which would facilitate attracting investment and fostering high-value-added sectors, a key challenge for the current legislature. The body also stresses the importance of guaranteeing compensation for the effective cost of goods transport, as stipulated in Article 7 of the REF.
Access to housing is identified as one of the main obstacles for the Canary Islands' population. The CES points to the scarcity of residential housing and limited public housing construction as causes. Therefore, it urges administrations to promote the use of public land, streamline bureaucracy, and simplify procedures to encourage new construction. Implementing a Comprehensive Housing Plan to increase the supply of protected housing, limit the impact of vacation rentals in stressed areas, and provide more aid for purchasing and renting is considered essential.
