Eluned Morgan MS, First Minister
Last year, I published the International Delivery Plan which set out an ambitious plan for delivery. That plan committed to European engagement, taking opportunities to strengthen existing relationships and build new ones. This month, I undertook a three day visit to Spain to progress that commitment through formal meetings and visits in Catalonia and the Basque Country, during which the Welsh Government signed Memoranda of Understanding. These are long standing relationships built on shared histories and future ambition. They provide opportunities to improve outcomes in Wales.
During my visit to Barcelona, I held meetings with Jaume Duch, Minister for the European Union and Foreign Action, and Francesc Xavier Vila, Minister for Linguistic Policy, to reinforce institutional ties and progress government‑to‑government cooperation - particularly on minority language policy, drawing on the Cymraeg 2050 and Catalonia’s language frameworks.
I also held separate meetings with Jaume Baró, Secretary of Business and Competitiveness and CEO of ACCIÓ, as well as with Foment del Treball. These meetings concentrated on trade and investment opportunities. They followed our Wales Investment Summit and the potential for collaboration with Catalonia in life sciences and advanced manufacturing.
In addition, I visited the Barcelona Supercomputing Centre. Engagements at the Centre focused on research collaboration in high‑performance computing, compound semiconductors and AI. We also discussed Wales and Catalonia cooperation on the AINA language technology project.
In Barcelona, I met with President Salvador Illa and signed a new Memorandum of Understanding and joint action plan. This agreement establishes a structured framework for cooperation across shared priorities including social progress, language and cultural exchange, sustainable tourism, economic development and renewable energy.
The first engagement in the Basque Country was to Vitoria‑Gasteiz, where I met with the Lehendakari, Imanol Pradales, to sign a renewed Wales and Basque Country Memorandum of Understanding and joint action plan. The agreement consolidates cooperation on renewable energy and climate, sustainable mobility, technology and innovation, agri‑food, education, fiscal policy, health, culture and language.
The programme then focused on innovation and the green economy. In San Sebastián, I visited Basque Quantum and held discussions on quantum technologies and research partnerships. These discussions examined opportunities that complement Wales’s expertise in compound semiconductors and advanced manufacturing.
At the Port of Bilbao, I met with Haizea Wind. The meeting set out opportunities Wales offers in relation to offshore wind energy with reference to Welsh port capabilities and the contribution the sector can make net‑zero ambitions.
Cultural and people‑to‑people links are central to the relationship with the Basque Country. In Bilbao, I engaged with Athletic Club to underline the historic ties between Bilbao and Newport and showcased how sport, heritage and community connections continue to strengthen our modern partnership.
This visit reaffirmed Wales as a proud, outward‑facing European nation. The agreements made on this visit set a clear basis for continued cooperation that support innovation, strengthen investment and export ambitions, whilst enriching our cultural life. These partnerships are designed to deliver tangible benefits for communities and businesses across Wales.