Basque business associations call for economic pact to address industrial challenges

Several Basque business associations, including Confebask, Elkargi, the Círculo de Empresarios Vascos, AFM, and ASLE, have signed a manifesto calling for a national pact to drive economic development in the Basque Country. The groups aim to address critical issues facing the region, such as the lack of generational renewal, absenteeism, and the housing crisis.

The manifesto highlights concerns regarding low productivity compared to the United States and China, as well as the declining industrial weight of Europe. Business leaders noted that the limited size of many Basque companies hinders necessary investments in innovation, internationalization, and advanced technologies required to compete on a global scale.