Valencia’s regional leader outlines renewable energy expansion, Algeria trade commitments, and water management in Brussels talks
Generalitat chief Ximo Puig is set to press for stronger support for renewable energy initiatives and strict adherence to trade agreements with Algeria during a high-level meeting in Brussels with European Commission Vice-President and High Representative for Foreign Affairs Josep Borrell this Tuesday. In his own words, the aim is to align regional priorities with European strategies on energy security and international commerce while stressing Valencia’s position within the broader Canary–EU framework.
Puigs agenda is anchored in making the most of his trip from the Frankfurt textile fair to the European capital. He arrived in Brussels prepared to discuss how the war in Ukraine continues to influence the energy landscape and prices across Europe. He signaled a demand for extending the Iberian energy exemption and bolstering the bloc’s approach to a unified energy purchase market that can reduce costs and improve resilience for households and industry alike. He also pointed to renewable energy expansion as a practical pillar of this strategy, citing the Sagunto gigafactory project led by Volkswagen as a tangible example of Europe’s industrial ambitions in the energy transition.
In addition to energy matters, Puig will address Valencia’s trade relations with Algeria, underscoring Valencia’s status as one of the regions most affected by export dynamics to the North African country. He will remind Brussels that there is an existing agreement between Algeria and the European Union that must be respected, a point framed as essential for stability and ongoing commercial activity in the region.
The Valencia leader will also revisit the Tagus-Segura water transfer and reiterated a readiness for constructive dialogue with the central government. He stressed that a consensus should be reached on this issue, presenting it as a clear and unequivocal defense of the irrigation communities and Valencia’s citizens. Puig emphasized that there is a shared interest in solving the water challenge, contrasting the regional need for reliable irrigation services with opposing positions that seek to undermine governance.