The coalition of Partido Popular and Vox in Castilla y León is planning to cut regional funding for development cooperation by €4 million in the 2027 budget. Carlos Pollán (Vox) confirmed this in Soria on 14 October, explaining the reallocation as giving priority to social and family support in the autonomous community. He did not say which budget lines the sum would come from or which specific programmes it would fund.
The proposal follows the presentation of the 2027 draft budget by the Junta de Castilla y León on 13 October. According to the government, the total budget will rise to around €16.47 billion, the highest ever for the region. The budget framework is intended to underscore the coalition’s social policy focus; Vox also cites savings and “efficient use of public money” as guiding principles for reallocating funds.
The planned cut affects an established funding stream that has so far co-financed projects by non-governmental organisations and other development cooperation initiatives. Without implementing provisions, it remains unclear whether ongoing projects would have to be cut or whether future calls for applications would mainly receive less funding. It is also unclear which departments will administer the €4 million for social and family support and what criteria will govern its allocation.
Politically, the move fits with other changes Vox is pursuing at the same time. In the budgets of the Cortes de Castilla y León funding for trade unions and employers’ associations was reduced; Vox representatives have indicated that they will consider similar changes in the Junta. Supporters point to potential savings and a stronger focus on “domestic” needs in Castilla y León. Critics warn of a retreat from international responsibility and risks to the planning certainty of civil society organisations.
The next stage of the process is now before parliament. The Cortes de Castilla y León will hold debates and may consider amendments before the 2027 budget can be adopted. Only once the final text of the law is published will it be clear which specific development cooperation budget chapters will be cut and how the reallocation to social and family support will be set out under budget law.
Editor: Mira Cadena (Article created with AI assistance).