The Council of Ministers has greenlit a first tranche of aid for the Canary Islands amounting to 98.1 million euros. These funds will be allocated to the Comprehensive Employment Plan, the fight against poverty, and the promotion of the Archipelago's primary sector. The regional president, Fernando Clavijo, described these measures as the "first volley of measures" agreed upon with the State.
This decision materializes the agreement reached between Clavijo and the Ministers of Finance, Arcadi España, and of Territorial Policy and Democratic Memory, Ángel Víctor Torres. According to the Canary Islands president, 45 million euros are designated for employment policies, 30 million for combating poverty, and 23.1 million for supporting the primary sector. The Council of Ministers also approved actions for the ports of La Luz (Gran Canaria) and Granadilla (Tenerife), though without specifying amounts or concrete content.
The Canary Islands Comprehensive Employment Plan will receive 45 million euros from the State Public Employment Service (SEPE) budgets. The aim is to address structural unemployment, generate quality employment, improve employability, foster inclusion, and consolidate strategic sectors. The program also seeks to stimulate digital transformation and strengthen public employment services. Financed projects may extend until 2027.
Furthermore, a direct subsidy of 23.1 million euros was approved for the Canary Islands Primary Sector Boost Plan. This contribution aims to modernize agriculture, livestock farming, and fishing, enhance their competitiveness and sustainability, and ensure food supply. It will support local productions, compensate for increased input costs, modernize fishing guild infrastructure, and promote investments in processing and marketing. Funds will also finance improvements in irrigation systems and actions in La Palma and El Hierro, as well as updating maritime-fishing schools to encourage generational renewal.
Clavijo recalled that several commitments from the Canary Islands' agenda with the State remain pending, including additional funding for Posei, a 60% IRPF bonus for residents in La Palma, and the transfer of 100 million euros for the island. These matters could be addressed in upcoming Council of Ministers meetings. The president also advocated for a specific Posei for fishing and aid for the Canary Islands' artisanal fleet within the EU's financial framework.
