Wales, one of the four nations of the United Kingdom, has long regarded the Basque Country as a valued partner within Europe. This friendship endures across decades, rooted in shared industrial roots, strong unions, and two vibrant languages coexisting with the national language. During a recent visit, the First Minister of Wales, Mark Drakeford, met with Basque lehendakari Íñigo Urkullu to discuss collaborative opportunities. The goal was clear: to explore marine energy projects that can complement Wales’s and the Basque Country’s energy mix. As the Welsh side noted, even when the sun hides or the wind stills, the tides continue their predictable cadence, offering a reliable source of power.
Basque Lehendakari, what did you talk to Íñigo Urkullu about?
We reviewed the 2018 memorandum of understanding between Wales and the Basque Country and what has been achieved. And we’ve set our sights on the next one to see what new topics we can tackle from 2024.
For example?
There is one issue that has always been part of our relationship and that is the language issue. We are bilingual countries: Spanish and Basque, English and Welsh. We talked about how we can encourage their use in many areas of daily life. These are very important things for the identity of the Basque Country and for Wales.
Are they collaborating on more issues?
Yes, we talked about how we can work together to maximize floating offshore wind power and tidal power – the power of the tides. It is an advantage that both countries bring to the Atlantic Ocean. This energy will be important to do well in our role in protecting our planet from climate change and providing energy security for our populations in the future.
Is there a concrete agreement, a common commitment, or is it more of a political agreement?
This is a very practical deal. A delegation from our companies was in the Basque Country just a few weeks ago. We will be attending a major conference on the subject here early next year. During this visit, we discussed how we can share the development of these new technologies as well as being a common political goal. Marine energy offers us reliable energy. The sun does not always shine and the wind does not always blow. But the tide rises and falls twice a day, as can certainly be predicted.
You have a special relationship with two Spanish companies, CAF (trains) and Gestamp (cars)…
I spoke with the executives of those companies. A large part of our economy is based on production. It’s important to have a manufacturer like CAF that produces trains for Wales and ultimately the rest of England. Gestamp is a significant component of our automotive industry. The aim is to secure Wales’s manufacturing future.
CAF is a controversial company in Spain because it is building light rail in Israeli-occupied Palestinian territory…
It’s important for me as a Welsh government representative not to pretend I have responsibility for something I don’t. In our system, foreign policy matters are handled from London.
How is Wales after Brexit?
We are determined to ensure that Brexit does not push Wales toward withdrawal from global engagement. Post-Brexit, there is a clear need to project Wales as an outward-looking European partner, with steps taken to strengthen economic ties and collaboration on shared priorities. Renegotiating elements of the Withdrawal Agreement, including the Northern Ireland Protocol, could help address certain issues for Wales without rejoining the European Union.
They described themselves as the “holy nation”…
Foreigners are welcome. Wales has seen newcomers from many corners of the world, including recent arrivals from Hong Kong and Ukraine. In the last year alone, roughly 1,000 new residents joined Wales from Hong Kong and about 6,000 from Ukraine. This openness reflects a broader commitment to humanitarian values and practical support for those displaced by conflict.
They have a different vision than the central government, which has plans to curb immigration…
Wales believes that people with legitimate refugee or asylum claims should have safe, legal pathways to seek protection in the UK. The aim is a humane policy that protects those in need while maintaining orderly immigration.
Do you think Brexit can be undone?
I do not see reversal happening in the near term, but that does not stop Wales from pursuing closer, more ambitious economic ties with its European partners. This includes revisiting governance choices, such as improvements to energy and research corridors, and exploring practical steps to strengthen cooperation with European institutions, while preserving the union with the rest of the United Kingdom.
This sounds like an endless negotiation…
There are issues that can be improved without reopening fundamental questions. For instance, participation in international programs like Erasmus+ for students, Horizon for research, and Euratom for energy can still be optimized. The aim is to keep Wales outward-facing and engaged, without implying a return to full EU membership.
Could you briefly introduce your country, Wales, to Spaniards who do not know?
Wales is a small nation with about three million residents on the western edge of the United Kingdom, overlooking the Irish Sea. It has its own language, Welsh, one of the oldest living tongues in Europe, spoken daily by hundreds of thousands. Politically, the Welsh people have historically leaned left, and the current government emphasizes social democracy, aiming to expand justice, equality, and solidarity across a diverse population. The leadership has steered a labor government in the Welsh Parliament for nearly a quarter of a century, prioritizing policies that nurture opportunity and shared prosperity across communities.
End of article. [Citation: Regional political summaries and official statements discuss these topics and the collaboration between Wales and the Basque Country within a broader European energy and cultural context.]