The President of the Basque Country views the creation of the Atlantic Macroregion as a crucial step in “[reversing] the current trend, which could otherwise result in our isolation.”

• Imanol Pradales participated in the inauguration of the 16th Transmodal Forum, which took place today in Gasteiz.

The President, Imanol Pradales, attended the opening ceremony of the 16th TRANSMODAL Intermodal Logistics Forum, held at the headquarters of the Araba Chamber of Commerce. The meeting will concentrate on the Atlantic axis and the intermodal project currently under construction in Júndiz.

Pradales highlighted the significant value of this forum for the Atlantic region. The President highlighted that the nations and regions of the Atlantic Axis, their institutions and their social and economic agents have a significant stake in the current geopolitical framework. This framework is undergoing a shift towards the east, “driven by the expansion of the European Union, the impact of Brexit and the war in Ukraine.”

Pradales has cautioned that these developments will have a direct and negative impact on the Basque Country. “Without a robust strategy to reinforce the Atlantic, there is a danger of remaining on the periphery. This is not an option for us.”

As the President of the Basque Country observed, “the contributions of this forum serve to reinforce the Atlantic Arc as a key area of European influence. It is imperative that we reverse the current trend, which could otherwise result in our isolation.”

Pradales has outlined a series of actions that will facilitate the achievement of this objective. He highlighted those actions aimed at “improving rail, port and airport connections, logistics capacity, communication infrastructures, digital and energy connections, scientific-university collaboration, and the activity of the Chambers of Commerce are all in line with the right strategic direction.”

The President of Basque Government highlighted the importance of establishing the Atlantic Macroregion as a key working tool to drive the strategy forward. “There are four macro-regions: the Baltic, Adriatic-Ionian, Danube and Alpine. It is our goal to become the fifth.”

Pradales highlighted the benefits that the establishment of such an entity would bring. "We are discussing a European institution that provides a framework for collaboration in key areas for our development and welfare, such as those proposed in this Forum: intermodal infrastructures, port activity, the Atlantic corridor, cooperation between companies, freight transport and the Jundiz Intermodal," he explained.

“Trump’s triumph will likely result in increased protectionism and a reduction in multilateralism.”

Pradales took the opportunity to comment on the outcome of the recent US elections, suggesting that the victory of Donald Trump will likely result in “increased economic protectionism, the imposition of new tariffs, and heightened trade uncertainty. Less multilateralism and a new transatlantic relationship.”

Considering these challenges, Pradales believes it is crucial to reinforce democratic processes and the European project. “It is imperative that we advance European strategic sovereignty, reindustrialise the continent and seek a new balance between decarbonisation, competitiveness and security that will allow us to maintain and expand our well-being. It is vital that we reinforce the values that have been instrumental in maintaining decades of peace, freedom and greater social justice in Europe. The Basque Country must be included. It is imperative that we assume a pioneering position in the resurgence of the European continent.”