By: Enrique Opi Tufet, Regional Manager of InFluCat and Senior Adviser on Tourism.
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Since taking office as President of Catalonia on August 12, 2024, Salvador Illa’s socialist administration has worked to fulfill agreements with ERC and Comuns. Progress has been made on some key commitments, such as housing regulations, but many remain pending, including a special financing model and the Rodalies commuter rail transfer.
Illa aims to achieve 45% of his investiture commitments by 2025. However, with no new budget in place, the Socialists seek to accelerate progress through bilateral commissions with the central government and the fiscal and financial policy council.
A key milestone with the Comuns has been the approval of sanctions against landlords violating rent caps. However, ERC remains critical, especially concerning delays in implementing the amnesty law and forming the coalition monitoring commission, which is expected after ERC’s internal reorganization in mid-March.
The promotion of the Catalan language in the EU remains unresolved, as does the establishment of a ‘National Pact for Catalan Language’. Similarly, the government has yet to launch the Catalan Sports Council’s initiative to promote national teams, a move ERC sees as a failure rather than a delay.
In foreign affairs, ERC argues the ‘Brussels Plan‘ lacks emphasis on Catalonia’s human rights issues. While the government maintains international delegations, expansion plans remain stalled. The Comuns, more pragmatic than ERC, focus on issue-based negotiations, securing housing sanctions and pushing for rental inspections, anti-eviction measures, and an increased tourist tax. Their next priorities include enforcing rental laws and improving public health access.
What is the ‘Brussels Plan’?
‘The Brussels Plan’ is an initiative launched by Catalonia’s President, Mr. Salvador Illa, aiming to restore and enhance Catalonia’s presence and influence within European institutions. Approved by the Catalan government in November 2024, the plan focuses on re-engaging with the European Union through active participation in bodies like the European Committee of the Regions. This strategy seeks to ensure that Catalonia contributes constructively to EU policy making and benefits from European funding opportunities.
A key component of the Brussels Plan is the pursuit of official status for the Catalan language within EU institutions. President Illa has engaged in discussions with European Parliament President Roberta Metsola to advocate for the recognition of Catalan as an official EU language, emphasizing its cultural significance and the importance of linguistic diversity in Europe.In summary, «The Brussels Plan» reflects President Illa’s commitment to reintegrating Catalonia into the European political landscape, promoting its interests, and contributing positively to the EU’s development.
Our perspective
In conclusion, Illa’s government has made some progress but struggles with delays in key agreements. While the administration maintains cooperation with its partners, ERC demands more decisive action on financial and political commitments, while the Comuns monitor policy implementation. The coming months will test the government’s ability to deliver on its promises.
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