Ana Ollo, Councillor for Citizen Relations, and Iraitz Lazkano, President of the Commonwealth of Basque Municipalities, have signed a collaboration agreement for the development of programs of social use of the local language in the municipalities where Euskera breathes.

It is the first agreement between the two entities and will have a budget of EUR 30,000.

Councillor Ollo, who has framed the agreement within the strategic axes of Euskarabidea, stressed “the importance of the Basque country having its own spaces and being able to develop its social functions” and pointed out that “in this area respiratory spaces, the so-called municipalities and counties of Euskaldunes, which must be supported by public policies in linguistic matters are essential”. “In the municipalities of Euskaldunes you can live in Euskera naturally, and the language is transmitted from one generation to another, maintaining the physical presence,” he said. On the other hand, it refers to its contribution to the diversity and culture of Navarra, so “it is necessary to take care of them, support them and strengthen them”, he adds.

Furthermore, Iraitz Lazkano stressed the importance of strengthening the relationship between UEMA and the Government of Navarra and extending it to new areas. “The Euskaldunization of municipalities is essential to preserve the linguistic rights of citizens, and in this area we are increasingly attaching importance”. He also pointed to the need to raise awareness among young people “to jump from inertia to consciousness”.

This agreement will renew the plans for the use of the Basque town council, through the Kemen methodology, and will provide linguistic advice to the municipalities. In addition, a project of interculturality in local entities will be developed, as well as educational actions for educators. A translation service will be provided to the municipalities and the 'Salto' colonies will be organized.

The Commonwealth of Basque Municipalities consists of 14 municipalities: Araitz, Arantza, Arbizu, Areso, Basaburua, Baztan, Bera, Etxalar, Etxarri Aranatz, Goizueta, Igantzi, Larraun, Leitza, Lesaka. In the short term, Doneztebe and Arruazu are expected to be present.