By 2028, €77 million will be allocated for the renewal of high and low-level water supply and sanitation networks. A further €118 million will be invested by 2030 to guarantee the treatment of used water. At the same time, the Regional Irrigation Plan will include works worth €445 million. Additionally, over the next three years, the regional government will contribute an extra €100 million to boost irrigable areas linked to the Navarra Canal. In fact, the region is hopeful that the second phase of this “strategic infrastructure” will be funded by the European Investment Bank (EIB).
Since 2019, the Government of Navarre has been implementing the Master Plan for the Integrated Urban Water Cycle. The results of the first six-year period (2019–2024) show investments exceeding €178 million, which have enabled over 80 structural projects to be carried out across the region.
Looking ahead, the revised programme for 2025–2030 outlines ten strategic areas of action. Of the total, €27 million will be allocated to the digitalisation, integration and smart management of water; €128 million will go towards renewing supply and sanitation networks; €121.3 million will be invested in upgrading wastewater treatment plants; and €7.8 million will be set aside for R&D, environmental education and public participation.
Separately, the Minister for Territorial Cohesion, Óscar Chivite, confirmed that the necessary measures are being taken to ensure that construction of the second phase of the Navarra Canal begins as soon as possible. “We know this is the future of our land, our produce, and future generations,” he stated.
In this context, the region hopes that the works on this “strategic infrastructure” will be financed by the European Investment Bank, as it aligns with key European goals such as sustainability, supporting the green transition, and improving public services.
This was made clear during a recent meeting between María Chivite, President of Navarre, and Nadia Calviño, President of the EIB. Both leaders highlighted the vital role of the canal in promoting the green transition, establishing a leading agri-food sector in Europe, and combating climate change.
THE IMPORTANCE OF THE AGRI-FOOD SECTOR
Navarrese companies cover the entire value chain from the primary sector to the agri-food industry. Notable examples include Spain’s two largest producers of frozen vegetables (Ultracongelados Virto and Congelados de Navarra); the country’s biggest grain cooperative (Grupo AN); the global leader in the manufacture and marketing of casings for food products (Viscofan), which sells in over 100 countries; Spain’s top company in fresh salads and ready-to-eat vegetables (Florette); as well as major international companies such as General Mills, Gelagri, Mondelez, and Agrozumos. More information available at the following link.
Source: Navarra.es