Action plan 2025-2026
Combining both reflective and action-oriented dimensions, the 2025–2026 Action Plan of Fundación eAtlantic Fundazioa is conceived as a roadmap for analysis and action. Closely aligned with the realities of the Atlantic seaboard and the priorities of the European Commission for the 2024–2029 mandate, it identifies the prosperity–competitiveness nexus as a top priority, alongside potential reforms to the EU’s institutional architecture.
The Action Plan is structured around two strategic thematic pillars, directly linked to the Foundation’s founding purposes, and two cross-cutting axes. In addition, Fundación eAtlantic Fundazioa may carry out ad hoc projects that respond to specific demands and contribute to the fulfilment of its foundational objectives.
Action Plan: Main pillars
Pillar 1
A Prosperous European Atlantic Seaboard Committed to Sustainable Human Development and the objectives of the United Nations.
Transversal pillar 1
Institutional Anchoring and Positioning of Fundación eAtlantic Fundazioa.
Pillar 2
Promoting the Participation of Subnational Authorities in the Governance of the European Union.
Transversal pillar 2
Strategic Positioning of the Atlantic within the EU.
Ad Hoc Projects
Pillar 1
A Prosperous European Atlantic Seaboard Committed to Sustainable Human Development and the objectives of the United Nations.
The future prosperity of the Atlantic seaboard must be built upon a shared vision and coordinated action among Atlantic territories and stakeholders. Through such an approach, it will be possible to advance towards more strategic forms of cooperation and, at the appropriate scale, address the region’s challenges while capitalising on its strengths.
The European Atlantic seaboard must overcome its increasing peripheralisation, strengthen ties with non-EU Atlantic actors, and secure its full integration within the European Union. Progress towards a more cohesive and resilient Union will only be achieved through the proper recognition and inclusion of the Atlantic’s specific characteristics within the EU agenda.
The reports Much More than a Market by Enrico Letta and The Future of European Competitiveness by Mario Draghi present a wide-ranging and ambitious set of proposals aimed at deepening EU political integration through the revitalisation of the Single Market and enhanced European competitiveness. Both documents are already influencing the European Commission’s agenda for the 2024–2029 mandate. Moreover, they directly address many of the key concerns and identified strengths of a broad range of Atlantic public and private stakeholders.
In this context, Fundación eAtlantic Fundazioa intends to launch the working group “Future of the Single Market and European Competitiveness: A Perspective from the European Atlantic Seaboard”, with the following objectives:
• Identify the most relevant proposals made in the Letta and Draghi reports for the prosperity of the European Atlantic seaboard.
• Highlight territorial specificities that may hinder or accelerate their implementation, and outline adjustment strategies.
• Identify large-scale, high-impact Atlantic projects that can unlock competitiveness potential and ensure full participation in the Single Market.
• Contribute to the creation of the Atlantic Macroregion and the definition of its strategic priorities.
Pillar 2
Promoting the Participation of Subnational Authorities in the Governance of the European Union
The European Union must urgently undertake a review of its governance model in order to address three key challenges: enhancing its legitimacy as a political project capable of delivering prosperity, peace, and democracy to its 450 million citizens; asserting geopolitical leadership in an increasingly turbulent global context; and adapting its decision-making mechanisms in light of the forthcoming enlargement towards the East.
These factors present a unique opportunity to reopen a long-postponed institutional debate, one that must include a crucial dimension: decentralised governance. The EU must find ways to mobilise all levels of government in support of the integration process, effectively incorporating those closest to the citizens. It must deepen European unity while safeguarding the Union’s rich diversity of peoples, traditions, and governance models.
In this context, Fundación eAtlantic Fundazioa will focus its efforts on examining institutional reforms aimed at strengthening the role of subnational governments and advancing effective multilevel governance within the EU.
A dedicated Working Group on Multilevel Governance will lead this strand of work, with the following objectives:
• Document the added value of territorialisation and regional participation in shaping and implementing EU policies, particularly in the technological, industrial, and strategic domains.
• Analyze and formulate innovative mechanisms to support informed decision-making and broaden the participation of regions with legislative powers.
• Examine macroregional governance and the role of subnational actors and stakeholders.
Transversal Pillar 1
Institutional Anchoring and Positioning of Fundación eAtlantic Fundazioa
The activities under this axis will pursue three strategic objectives:
• Secure a solid foothold for Fundación eAtlantic Fundazioa within its field of action, by building stable partnerships across the Basque Country, the Atlantic seaboard, and with leading European regions.
• Establish a socio-economic diplomacy network that brings together social, business, scientific-technological, and energy stakeholders from the Basque and Atlantic spheres—actors with a presence in European forums and a shared commitment to the Foundation’s mission.
• Enhance awareness and understanding of the European Union within Basque society, promoting informed public debate, active participation, and the dissemination of knowledge regarding the European integration process.
Transversal Pillar 2
Strategic Positioning of the Atlantic within the EU
Fundación eAtlantic Fundazioa seeks to contribute to the development of a positive and shared narrative highlighting the strengths and potential of the Atlantic seaboard, with particular emphasis on its social, natural, and techno-industrial dimensions, as well as on the establishment of the Atlantic Macroregion.
In parallel, efforts will be made to identify “Atlantic Ambassadors”, and the Foundation will explore the possibility of establishing a working space at the level of the Iberian Community, with transatlantic territories, particularly in Latin America.