The Balearic Islands have established a special coordination commission to plan and manage all actions related to the total solar eclipse scheduled for 12 August 2026, a rare astronomical event that has not occurred in over a century and will place the islands among the most strategic observation locations.

The new cross-cutting body, attached to the Ministry of Presidency, Coordination of Government Action and Local Cooperation, will enable early and effective coordination of measures in areas such as civil protection, public safety, mobility, management of observation areas, communication, and scientific outreach.

The expected influx of visitors and the concentration of observers in specific locations across the islands make it essential to have a stable framework for cooperation between public authorities and relevant institutions. In this context, the commission will promote the development of a comprehensive action plan aimed at reducing potential impacts while also leveraging the eclipse as an opportunity for scientific, educational, and outreach activities.

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The Balearic Islands Establish a Commission to Coordinate Actions for the 2026 Total Solar Eclipse

The Commission will be chaired by the Second Vice-President and Minister of Presidency, Antònia Maria Estarellas, and will include representatives from regional, island and local administrations, as well as the Federation of Local Entities of the Balearic Islands (FELIB), the University of the Balearic Islands, and astronomical associations. Experts and other institutions may also be invited to participate when appropriate.

Four specialised working groups will be set up to address mobility, prevention and civil protection; public health; communication and tourism; and scientific dissemination. These groups will analyse each area in depth and submit proposals to the full Commission.

Key responsibilities of the new body include assessing the potential impacts of the eclipse, coordinating preventive measures, developing public information campaigns, monitoring the implementation of actions, and providing institutional advice on decisions related to the event.

The Commission must be formally established within two months of the publication of the agreement in the Official Gazette of the Balearic Islands (BOIB) and will meet at least on a quarterly basis. Its operation will not entail any additional public expenditure, as no specific budget allocation is предусмотр.