Santiago de Compostela, 7 September 2026. The Xunta de Galicia expects an agreement soon with the central government on two transfers of powers: responsibility for non-commercial airfields and initial work permits for foreign nationals. Minister for the Presidency Diego Calvo reaffirmed this on Monday in Santiago de Compostela.
According to him, talks have been under way since autumn 2025. At the time, it was agreed that technical meetings would begin in October to clarify the scope and terms of the transfers. The Xunta, however, considers the process to be moving too slowly. Calvo is calling for working groups to be convened promptly to set out outstanding issues on staffing, funding, data exchange and operational implementation in precise terms.
The airfields in question are infrastructure not classified as being of general state interest and without commercial scheduled services. According to the regional government, a transfer would strengthen local responsibility for administration, maintenance and regional uses. In the area of work permits, the Xunta is seeking responsibility for initial applications. The regional government argues that this would shorten processing times and better align procedures with the labour market in Galicia the region.
The Xunta has deemed previous offers from the central government inadequate and has sought improvements in recent months. In its view, clear commitments on resources are crucial to ensure that the new powers can actually be exercised. Specific agreements on scope and funding are still outstanding. No further details were available from Madrid on Monday; both sides refer to the ongoing exchanges.
Politically, the matter remains sensitive. Transfers of powers regularly touch on national and regional interests and have been politically contentious between parties in the past. The regional government's latest initiative forms part of a broader agenda pursued by autonomous communities seeking greater control in selected areas. Calvo said he expected an agreement to be reached “as soon as possible”. No date was given.
One thing is clear: neither transfer can take effect without agreed rules on staffing, budgets and procedures. Until then, administrative practice remains unchanged under the existing authorities, while technical talks on powers and resources continue.
Editor: Mira Cadena (Article created with AI assistance).