Last Saturday, about forty associations participated in the Basque Societies Day at the Surfrider Foundation in Biarritz. This annual meeting is organized with the aim of contributing to the development of the associative world, offering associations that are part or not of the local currency a real dimension. In fact, it is a quotation dedicated to funding partnerships, but this year it has been enriched by external rapporteurs. Thus, Patxi Belly, the agency of Patenas, and Camille Barreau, the consulting firm Seeds, talked about private and public funding, respectively.

Régis Enériz de la Moneda Vasca, for its part, submitted a 3% appeal for the result of the Basque Currency and showed that the use of the local currency helps the associations of the territory in a very concrete way. In fact, since 2013, 250,000 Basques have been handed over to 70 associations working in different fields: environment, education, solidarity, Basque, sport, culture, etc.

The recipients of this result were to recover their symbolic cheque. Its recipients include Angelu's Kimua Ikastola. This, for the second consecutive year, doubles the amount of its result: 417 in the Basque Country 2020, 1,021 in 2021 and 2,126 this year!

"Two years ago, within the Ikastola, we reactivated the Basque Commission. We realized that everyone knew the Basque Country and identified with its values, but there was a lack of pedagogy and the possibility of taking a step forward. Therefore, with simplicity, enthusiasm and motivation, we organize informative tables for the parents of the students, after the courses and then in our actions. As a result, we have made it possible to pay contributions in local currency and have changed our suppliers to reuse our Basques: educational materials, supplies, snacks, bread, fruits and vegetables, etc. Thanks to the 3% system we have managed to improve the learning conditions of our students, and seeing improvement year after year is excellent, because it is beneficial for our Ikastola, for the normalization of the Basque Country and for the economy of Euskal Herria. ", Laura Urtasun Akerreta, responsible for ikastola Kimua

Live! The association was also present. The association that is committed to the ecological emergency and social justice has brought together 4,250 Basques this year, the largest result among the recipients. However, the local currency is much more than just a subsidy, Live! In the opinion of the association, the treasurer Jéremie Bude explains that: “We are surprised at the amount of the result. We have brought together more than 1,000 Basques than last year! We thank our sponsors, who give us the power to finance communication events and actions using the local currency. But, more than that, we are very pleased with the development of Eusko, a project of economic relocation, reduction of the ecological impact and defense of a sovereign territory bearing Bizi.”

“Solidarity is one of the main values of the local currency in Euskal Herria, and 3% is a concrete example of this. This system, inspired by the local Bavarian Chiemgauer currency, has the advantage that it is beneficial to all. This is complementary funding for associations that stimulate the use of the Basque Country. Thus, if an association is chosen and supported, it is also committed to the general interest of the territory,” says Xebax Christy, president of Euskal Moneta.

Currently, almost 3.5 million Basques are at hand, between 4,000 private individuals and 1,300 professionals. Europe’s largest local currency continues to develop and with this new record of results, it shows that the choice of currency to be used is a very concrete solidarity action!

Recipient associations of 3% of the Basque Country in 2022