Culture in Euskadi consolidates its sustained growth and reaffirms itself as one of the main indicators of social vitality and collective well-being.

The First Deputy Lehendakari and Minister for Culture and Language Policy, Ibone Bengoetxea, reported at the press conference following the Government Council meeting on the Cultural Programming Report in the Basque Autonomous Community (BAC) 2025, which confirms an increase in cultural activity, a greater presence of the Basque language, and a model based on accessibility and proximity.

During 2025, 22,425 cultural activities were scheduled in Araba, Bizkaia and Gipuzkoa, representing an 8.5% increase compared to 2024. In daily terms, the Basque Country had an average of 61 cultural activities per day. Likewise, in 2025, almost 40% of the cultural programme has been developed in Basque, reinforcing its role as a language of creation and of the stage. At the same time, more than 40% of live arts activities are free of charge, ensuring access to culture for diverse audiences.

“An active and accessible culture not only generates economic activity and employment, but also strengthens social cohesion, shared identity and quality of life, consolidating Euskadi as a culturally vibrant and dynamic country committed to well-being,” said Deputy Lehendakari Ibone Bengoetxea.

€65 million for Housing Benefits

The Governing Council has today approved expenditure of €65 million to finance Housing Benefits (PEV, in Spanish) in 2026, with expandable funding, with the aim of ensuring coverage of this financial support when the subjective right of access to housing cannot be met immediately through the allocation of a dwelling from the public housing stock or designated accommodation.

The benefit is non-transferable, must be used exclusively for the payment of rent and its amount is calculated according to the situation of the cohabitation unit and the cost of the rent, but may not exceed the amount of the proven rent. To access the PEV, it is necessary to meet the established requirements and demonstrate, among other aspects, residence in rented accommodation or in the envisaged equivalent situations, as well as compliance with the established economic conditions.

With this expenditure approval, “the Basque Government reinforces its commitment to a model that combines an increase in affordable housing with, while that supply grows, guarantee mechanisms to ensure that the right to decent and stable housing is also fulfilled through financial support when necessary,” said the Basque Minister for Housing and Urban Agenda, Denis Itxaso.

€9.5 million for the expansion of the Urkitza Centre in Bakio

The Basque Government has approved, in a Governing Council meeting, an investment of nearly €9.5 million for the expansion of the Urkitza Centre in Bakio (Bizkaia). The project aims to improve the municipality’s educational spaces and facilities, providing students with a larger, more comfortable centre with better resources, thereby reinforcing public schools as a guarantee of universal access to quality education.

As reported by the Basque Government spokesperson, Maria Ubarretxena, “the project responds to Bakio’s population growth in recent years, which has made it necessary to expand the centre to offer a two-class per grade model for Early Childhood and Primary Education, that is, two groups per grade.” 8 in Pre-school and 12 in Primary, responding to the needs of families".

Child allowances for families

Also today, the Governing Council approved the expenditure necessary for 2026 to finance family allowances for children, regulated by Decree 30/2015 and Decree 27/2023, which will amount to nearly €200 million.

€58.5 million for this year. €53.5 million in 2027; €37.5 million in 2028; €34.8 million in 2029; and €15.4 million euros in 2030.

Renewal of the agreement with the University of the Basque Country (EHU) to advance research on hate crimes

Finally, the green light was given for the renewal of the collaboration agreement with the University of the Basque Country (EHU) for the preparation of a report on hate crimes in the Basque Country and its comparative analysis with Europe. This agreement, signed between the Department of Security and the University of the Basque Country (EHU) through the UNESCO Chair of Human Rights and Public Powers, aims to carry out a study that will continue to serve as a tool to improve, in the medium and long term, the understanding, prevention, and most effective eradication of this type of crime.