The draft of the 2026 Tax Measures Foral Law from the Provincial Council of Bizkaia received "unanimous" endorsement from the Tax Coordination Body (OCT) on Tuesday. This body includes representatives from the regional government and the three provincial councils. Additionally, the proposal was backed by a significant representation from the business sector during an event held in Madrid.
While the spokesperson for the Basque Government, María Ubarretxena, acknowledged that the approval process is proceeding "normally," the general deputy of Bizkaia, Elixabete Etxanobe, positioned the territory as "a place to build the future, not just to invest".
Ubarretxena noted that each territory "has different rhythms," but stressed that the regional executive and the three provincial councils "share the need to utilize the capacities recognized by our Economic Agreement to address the needs of Euskadi".
During the event organized by the Provincial Council of Bizkaia at the Madrid College of Architects, Etxanobe encouraged attendees to invest in the territory, stating they "will not regret it." She recalled the "unique self-government" and "broad scope of competencies" that Bizkaia possesses, making it "a unique case in the world".
The general deputy highlighted the "legal certainty and stability" the territory offers in tax matters, inviting investment. She specified that the tax model does not involve generalized tax cuts but rather incentivizes companies and society to be "proactive in common progress".
Itxaso Berrojalbiz, head of Treasury and Finance, mentioned "fiscal advantages to promote the green transition and innovation," including deductions of up to 75% for R&D+i activities and 35% for investments in sustainable development, renewable energy, green hydrogen, or circular economy projects.
Ainara Basurko, the provincial deputy for Economic Promotion, presented economic data emphasizing Bizkaia's business framework, with a per capita income of 46,920 euros. She listed key sectors such as automotive, energy, aeronautics and aerospace, and advanced services, describing a "highly specialized, competitive, and future-oriented economy".
