Foundational purpouses
According to its statutes, Fundación eAtlantic Fundazioa pursues two foundational aims:
1
To foster dynamics that promote mutual understanding between public and private stakeholders across the European Atlantic front, based on a shared vision and joint action, with the aim of ensuring the future prosperity of this geographical area, in line with the principles of Sustainable Human Development and the goals promoted by the United Nations.
It also seeks to promote the region’s competitiveness and support the implementation of transformative projects and initiatives that contribute to its social development and ensure its full and appropriate inclusion in the European Union’s agenda, taking into account its specific needs and characteristics.
Internal cohesion and the harmonious and sustainable development of the EU as a whole must remain at the heart of its political priorities. A territorially balanced Europe must, in addition to the traditional central, Mediterranean, and eastern axes, recognise and strengthen the strategic role of the Atlantic front. However, this area is affected by its peripheral location and is at serious risk of further marginalisation as the EU’s centre of gravity continues to shift eastward.
The European Atlantic front suffers from a clear deficit in interconnections, which hinders its full integration into the European Single Market. At the same time, it presents numerous opportunities for enhanced cooperation. In this context, the territories along the Atlantic front are called upon to formulate joint responses and strategies wherever collaboration can add value. Fundación eAtlantic Fundazioa seeks to serve as a tool in support of this objective.
2
To promote the participation of institutional levels closest to citizens in the governance of the European Union, by deepening the principle of subsidiarity.
The Foundation encourages reflection, debate, and research, fosters consensus-building, and generates proposals aimed at achieving effective multilevel governance. Such governance should respect the regional autonomy of Member States without hindering decision-making processes, while also exploring ways to reinforce the EU’s democratic values.
Fostering a strong identification of European society with its common institutions requires clear mechanisms for proximity and participation. A bottom-up integration process is needed—one that enhances informed decision-making and, within a multilevel governance framework, harnesses the capacities of subnational entities, particularly those with legislative powers.
A governance model in which the territories where life, development, and investment projects take place gain greater prominence will result in stronger democratic legitimacy for the EU and in the design of better, more grounded public policies.