The European Commission has once again granted the Balearic Islands the Europe Direct program for the 2026-2030 cycle, reaffirming the region’s role in bringing the European Union closer to the public and promoting democratic participation. With this decision, Europe Direct Illes Balears will be integrated into the Fundació Illes Balears Europa (FIBE), which regains one of its strategic responsibilities following the reforms launched by the regional government.

Europe Direct is the EU’s key network for helping citizens understand how the Union works, what opportunities it offers, and how its decisions affect daily life in areas such as mobility, climate action, youth policy or digital transformation. The initiative focuses on three pillars: providing clear information, fostering direct engagement with EU institutions, and encouraging active participation in European affairs.

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European Commission renews the Europe Direct program in the Balearic Islands, to be managed by the Fundació Illes Balears Europa

The renewed program will receive €40,000 annually. FIBE submitted its proposal in June 2025, outlining its communication plan for 2026 and a five-year strategy aligned with both the European Commission’s priorities and the specific needs of the Balearic Islands. Planned activities for the first year include:

• Collaboration with media outlets and local partners to disseminate EU initiatives.
• A monthly bulletin highlighting EU developments relevant to the islands.
• Educational visits and training sessions in schools across the archipelago.
• Youth-focused activities using pedagogical toolkits and interactive materials.
• Joint events with other Europe Direct centres in Spain and Portugal, marking the 40th anniversary of their EU accession.
• Participation in Job Day 2026 to inform young people about careers and traineeships in EU institutions.
• Celebration of Europe Day and the European Day of Languages.
• Environmental volunteering and cleanup activities involving young people from the Euroregion.
• Awareness campaigns on social media.
• Cooperation with the City Council of Palma for the local Book Fair.
• Conferences and seminars addressing EU and regional priorities.
• Training programmes for teachers.
• Outreach activities showcasing EU-funded projects.

FIBE strengthens its role as a key actor in the region’s European affairs

Although the Fundació Illes Balears Europa was established in 2022, it initially played only a secondary role, with limited autonomy to execute projects. At the start of the current legislative term, the organisation lacked operational capacity and saw several of its functions absorbed by different departments.

A comprehensive reform has since been implemented to restore its strategic functions: regaining control of Europe Direct and the scholarship program, expanding its operational capabilities, clarifying responsibilities, and positioning the foundation as the main representative body for the Balearic Islands before EU institutions. This transformation restores the function once performed by the former Centre Balears Europa as the government’s reference point for EU information and outreach.

The foundation also oversees the Balearic Islands’ office in Brussels, staffed by a head of service and four young trainees who support continuous institutional engagement within the EU.

The renewal of Europe Direct represents a milestone in this new phase, consolidating FIBE as an essential instrument for strengthening the region’s presence in Europe and enhancing public access to EU information and opportunities.