During its meeting on Saturday, September 26, 2026, the Basque Country Community Council made several key decisions. Elected officials launched the development of the next Local Housing Program (PLH) for the 2028-2033 period and initiated the revision of the Climate-Air-Energy Territorial Plan (PCAET). A resolution was also passed to combat vacant housing, and financial aid was granted to 11 municipalities in the territory.
In his opening remarks, President Alain Iriart emphasized the importance of unity in supporting minority languages, recalling past commitments to the Basque and Gascon languages. He reaffirmed the goal of reaching 30% Basque speakers by 2050 and announced a congress on Euskara for December 3.
The new PLH aims to address housing needs in a tight real estate market, incorporating solidarity, climate transition, and land sobriety. Its development will involve partnerships with municipalities, the State, and housing stakeholders. The current PLH, which has mobilized €41 million since 2021 and facilitated the construction of over 12,500 homes, will be extended by two years to ensure policy continuity.
The revision of the PCAET, initially adopted on June 19, 2021, will be based on a comprehensive evaluation and broad consultation to set new ecological objectives for 2034, 2040, and 2050. The first Climate Plan achieved a 10% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions between 2019 and 2023, although the decrease in energy consumption remains insufficient.
To combat housing pressure, the Basque Country Community will implement the Tax on Vacant Residential Properties (TVLH) starting January 1, 2027. Rates can be increased up to 30% in the first year and 60% in the second year in tense zones.
Finally, financial aid was allocated to 11 municipalities for development projects, website renovations, the rehabilitation of the Uhaitza group gîte in Licq-Athérey, and the renovation of the Hauts de Bayonne swimming pool.
