Members of the Northern and Western Regional Assembly (NWRA) participated in a study visit to the Asturias region of Spain to explore governance structures, EU funding implementation, and economic development initiatives.
The Regional Minister for Finance, Justice and European Affairs, Gulliermo PelĂĄez Ălvarez, welcomed the NWRA delegation in Oviedo. Asturias, like the Northern and Western Region, is classified as a âTransition Regionâ by the European Commission and has large costal and rural areas and shares similar economic opportunities and challenges. Both regions have historically economically lagged behind their respective national economic centres, but have significant opportunities to develop economically in sectors such as digital technology, innovation, Agri/food, renewable energy and tourism. The Government of the Principado de Asturias and the NWRA both have responsibility for managing and administering European Regional Development Funds (ERDF) for their respective regions with similar priorities for investment under the EU Legislation for Cohesion Policy and funding.
NWRA Cathaoirleach Michéal Frain expressed gratitude to Minister Pelåez and the government staff at the Principado de Asturias for hosting the delegation from Ireland, noting that the meetings had many shared learnings and it highlighted strategies to leverage EU and National funding for infrastructure, transport, green energy, and industrial transition.
Conall McGettigan, A/Director of NWRA, emphasised ongoing collaboration:
âBoth regions currently work together on an Interreg Europe project and will continue sharing knowledge and best practices to improve policy, regional strategies and maximise funding opportunities to achieve Balanced Regional Development.â
As part of the visit, staff from the Government of the Principado de Asturias delivered a presentation about the region, the government structures at a local, regional and national level, and how they administer Cohesion funding including ERDF, JTF and ESF+ funding in the region. The Cathaoirleach and staff from the Assembly also delivered a presentation about the role of the NWRA, including the work of the elected members, the implementation of the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy (RSES), the delivery of ERDF funding into the region and the collaboration with EU regions through Interreg programmes. The delegation from the Assembly and staff from the staff from the Principado de Asturias also discussed the common economic and infrastructure challenges such as transport infrastructure, electrical grid capacity and housing etc.
The NWRA elected members also had the opportunity to visit the Regional Governmentâs parliament building and chamber, and to visit local enterprises including a Coworking space, a bakery and strawberry farm.
NWRA Members at the Government of the Principado de Asturias.
NWRA Members at the Government of the Principado de Asturias
NWRA Members visit the Government Parliament in Asturias
NWRA Members visit Coworking Space âCowtainersâ that received LEADER Funding
NWRA Members visit local strawberry farm that received LEADER Funding
The Regional Minister for Finance, Justice and European Affairs, Gulliermo PelĂĄez Ălvarez, welcomed the NWRA delegation in Oviedo. Asturias, like the Northern and Western Region, is classified as a âTransition Regionâ by the European Commission and has large costal and rural areas and shares similar economic opportunities and challenges. Both regions have historically economically lagged behind their respective national economic centres, but have significant opportunities to develop economically in sectors such as digital technology, innovation, Agri/food, renewable energy and tourism. The Government of the Principado de Asturias and the NWRA both have responsibility for managing and administering European Regional Development Funds (ERDF) for their respective regions with similar priorities for investment under the EU Legislation for Cohesion Policy and funding.
NWRA Cathaoirleach Michéal Frain expressed gratitude to Minister Pelåez and the government staff at the Principado de Asturias for hosting the delegation from Ireland, noting that the meetings had many shared learnings and it highlighted strategies to leverage EU and National funding for infrastructure, transport, green energy, and industrial transition.
Conall McGettigan, A/Director of NWRA, emphasised ongoing collaboration:
âBoth regions currently work together on an Interreg Europe project and will continue sharing knowledge and best practices to improve policy, regional strategies and maximise funding opportunities to achieve Balanced Regional Development.â
As part of the visit, staff from the Government of the Principado de Asturias delivered a presentation about the region, the government structures at a local, regional and national level, and how they administer Cohesion funding including ERDF, JTF and ESF+ funding in the region. The Cathaoirleach and staff from the Assembly also delivered a presentation about the role of the NWRA, including the work of the elected members, the implementation of the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy (RSES), the delivery of ERDF funding into the region and the collaboration with EU regions through Interreg programmes. The delegation from the Assembly and staff from the staff from the Principado de Asturias also discussed the common economic and infrastructure challenges such as transport infrastructure, electrical grid capacity and housing etc.
The NWRA elected members also had the opportunity to visit the Regional Governmentâs parliament building and chamber, and to visit local enterprises including a Coworking space, a bakery and strawberry farm.
NWRA Members at the Government of the Principado de Asturias.
NWRA Members at the Government of the Principado de Asturias
NWRA Members visit the Government Parliament in Asturias
NWRA Members visit Coworking Space âCowtainersâ that received LEADER Funding
NWRA Members visit local strawberry farm that received LEADER Funding