The Catalan government has approved a comprehensive, three-year support programme for the Palestinian people. This initiative commits an initial €1.5 million, coordinating efforts across government, academia, and civil society.

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Named ‘Catalunya, casa palestina’ (Catalonia, a Palestinian Home), the government officially green-lit the programme during its Executive Council meeting on Tuesday. According to a government statement, the plan aims to create a structured framework. This framework will assist Palestinians arriving in Catalonia, integrating them with local peace-building and educational initiatives.

This decision formalises and expands upon the region’s long-standing solidarity with Palestine. It establishes a clear governmental policy involving universities, social organisations, and international bodies. Furthermore, the move comes amid heightened political debate over the regional budget, with some parties, such as Junts, demanding revisions in light of the ongoing Middle East conflict.

A Three-Pillar Approach

The ‘Catalunya, casa palestina’ programme is built upon three core pillars, each targeting a specific group within the Palestinian community. As Europa Press first reported, these pillars offer holistic support. Specifically, the three instruments include:

  • Campus Palestina: This reception and support mechanism for Palestinian students is open to all Catalan universities. It will provide comprehensive accompaniment and training, creating academic safe havens and educational opportunities.
  • Palestina Cultura: This pillar aims to forge a collaborative cultural framework with the Palestinian artistic community. It seeks to provide a platform for artists to continue their work, share their culture, and integrate into Catalonia’s vibrant arts scene.
  • Palestina Activa: As a protective instrument, this guarantees temporary reception and comprehensive support for at-risk Palestinian activists and journalists. It focuses on ensuring their safety and ability to continue their vital human rights and journalistic work.

Together, these components aim to “reinforce the protection of Palestinian people who access Catalonia” and “offer comprehensive accompaniment,” according to the government’s communiqué. The programme also actively involves the resident Palestinian community in Catalonia in its global education and peace-building efforts.

Increased Commitment and Coordinated Efforts

While the new programme receives €1.5 million over three years, it also reflects a much larger financial commitment to the region. The government’s approved draft 2026 budget signals a major increase in funding for cooperation projects in Palestine.

Specifically, the proposed budget from the Catalan Agency for Development Cooperation (ACCD) allocates €12 million for projects in Palestine. This represents a substantial rise from the current €3.6 million, more than tripling the funds. This underscores a strategic shift in Catalonia’s international cooperation policy, prioritising long-term development and humanitarian aid for Palestinians.

Additionally, this regional initiative complements municipal efforts. Barcelona’s Mayor Jaume Collboni has announced plans to visit Palestine and strengthen cooperation. This coordinated approach between the Generalitat and the Barcelona City Council indicates a broad consensus among Catalonia’s leading institutions to support the Palestinian cause.

Establishing ‘Catalunya, casa palestina’ creates a durable, multifaceted structure that moves beyond emergency aid. It aims to foster academic, cultural, and civic ties, positioning Catalonia as a key European partner for the Palestinian people in their pursuit of peace and self-determination.