With the Valencia Declaration, leaders Ximo Puig and Francina Armengol closed the second summit between the Valencian Community and the Balearic Islands, adding concrete actions and requests to the collaboration already visible between the two regional governments.
Beyond the rhetoric of a Mediterranean path that champions dialogue, cooperation, and inclusive voices against centralizing tendencies, the talks introduced a request for state support to fund a tourism program shared by the two regions. This includes improving qualifications, expanding the workforce and business base in the sector, and pushing for greater influence over European funds alongside a pressing call for reforms to finance that are timely and effective.
The most tangible outcome appears to be the agreement to promote the Val-Bal initiative. This plan envisions a digital platform to encourage off-season travel among residents of both communities. The goal is for the public sector to help create and promote the platform, while member companies offer a 15 percent discount to attract visitors.
Tourism collaboration does not end there. The Balearic Islands and the Valencian Community aim to secure a central government fund to establish tourism companies and a stable workforce managed at the regional level. The intention is to maintain ongoing employment even during low seasons, ensuring steadier opportunities for workers in the sector.
On broader shared goals, Puig emphasized a straightforward stance: we demand what is fair. A common thread across autonomous forums is a reform of the financial system. It is deemed essential that autonomous communities gain more financial autonomy, and there is a push for a new funding framework that treats all regions with equal consideration. The call centers on redistributing funds to reduce regional disparities and to avoid unequal treatment in resource allocation.
There is a clear insistence that no veto should stall the agreement, and the discussions will continue as they touch the core functions of the constitution. Armengol added that delaying this reform would be a democratic anomaly that cannot be excused.
The blue deal for the sea
The dialogue also included additional petitions to the central government. The statement highlights a federal approach as a goal and the Balearic president said that decision-making powers should be expanded and administrative decentralization advanced.
Armengol urged speed and progress, underscoring two key levers: rents and the effective use of European funds. The aim is to secure better regulation of rental prices, reflecting prior assurances from the zoning ministry, and to maximize the benefits of available European funds for regional use.
From a European perspective, the Balks note that prudent management of these funds can empower the regions to push for more decentralization in how they implement programs. The declaration includes this point and sets up a standing technical table between the two communities to oversee the mechanism.
Additionally, attention was given to safeguarding the Mediterranean through a blue economy plan and committing to more sustainable mobility linking the two regions.
Constitutional concerns
The summit concluded amid worries about a possible intervention by the Constitutional Court that could halt parliamentary processes. Puig called the situation very troubling, while Armengol characterized it as very serious.
The Valencia president expressed hope that the right decision would prevail and that the separation of powers would function properly. Armengol warned that we are living in an anachronistic moment for the rule of law if institutions lose respect, underscoring the need for robust constitutional norms to guide action.