Key point: Geroa Bai registered a motion on 12 August 2026 in the Parlamento de Navarra calling on the Gobierno de Navarra to ensure “sufficient funding” for the Plan Foral de Regadíos and to implement the planned investments “as soon as possible”. The party advocates a combination of the region’s own funds, EU funds and bank financing, and explicitly rules out reinstating models such as the “peaje en la sombra”.
Documented information: According to the motion, the investment need concerns around 54,000 hectares irrigated through the Canal de Navarra, Canal de Bardenas and traditional irrigation areas. The funding requirement is put at “more than 900 million euros”. Geroa Bai justifies the acceleration by pointing to the need for efficient, low-energy irrigation systems in the face of increasingly frequent dry spells and lower rainfall.
Background: The Gobierno de Navarre presented 13 February 2025 an updated version of the Plan Foral de Regadíos. The programme envisages modernising around 55,470 hectares in stages up to 2042. Initial measures were launched in 2024 and 2025; in February 2025, the executive announced that it would adopt the relevant decree in autumn 2025. Separate projects to improve irrigation efficiency and infrastructure were also under way and continue to be implemented.
Funding status: In its previous statements, the regional government has referred to a mix of funding from the regional budget, EU co-financing and contributions from irrigation associations. At the time the motion was tabled, no consolidated decision had been published on specific allocations beyond ongoing programmes for the acceleration now sought by Geroa Bai. If the motion is adopted, the Gobierno de Navarra would be required to specify timetables and budgetary instruments for further implementation.
Context and distinctions: The established facts are that the motion was tabled on 12 August 2026, the aims of the Plan Foral de Regadíos, and the modernisation figure of around 55,470 hectares stated in the government document. The motion’s estimates of the area and costs (around 54,000 hectares and more than 900 million euros), its rejection of the “peaje en la sombra”, and its emphasis on climate and energy considerations are political positions of Geroa Bai. Whether additional funding is provided, in what amount and with what priority will depend on parliamentary consideration and subsequent budget decisions.
Editor: Mira Cadena (Article created with AI assistance).