GAINDEGIA, Observatory for Social and Economic Development in the Basque Country
The Basque social end economic agents (business people,
professionals, trade-unionists, members of the university community,
journalists and other agents from the social or labour field of work)
wish to keep careful track of the profound process of change that is
currently ongoing in our environment. We also wish to be a part of that
change.
In creating GAINDEGIA we do not intend to substitute
anyone or anything, rather, we want to fill an existing gap. The
changes taking place in the broad Basque social and economic
environment directly affect us, which is why we want to play a leading
role in that process. In the time elapsed between the industrial
revolution and the massive growth of information technologies, the
social and economic landscape in the Basque Country has undergone
radical change. Amongst the problems and factors that condition the
structure and development of the Basque Country we can cite the
following: the process of deindustrialisation, which we continue to
suffer; the rapid development of the language and culture industry; the
non-stop spread of means of transport; the growth in consumption; the
relentless ageing of our population; the arrival of immigrants and the
associated integration difficulties; and the degradation of our natural
environment.
In this country, with a population smaller than
three million, industry, ways of speaking and sceneries can be very
diverse from Atharratze to Turtzioz, from Labastida to Gixune or from
Hondarribia to Ablitas . Despite its small size, heterogeneity is a one
of the main features of the Basque Country and we in GAINDEGIA would
like to contribute to highlight and strengthen its identity as a
nation.
The evolution of the Basque Country is influenced by
the process of European integration and by globalisation. We are moving
from the old EEC to a new form of political and social organisation.
This small corner of the Atlantic Axis is but a minor piece in the
development model that the main states in the Union are designing. The
Basque Country has historically been a crossroads between the Iberian
Peninsula and the European Continent. This location has significantly
influenced our history. We have been a melting pot for cultures and
languages, while maintaining our own sense of identity all along. Our
economy and our social development are closely linked to our being a
crossroads. We managed to turn the sea into an open space and a source
of wealth instead of an obstacle for our development. Overall we have
managed to make our geographical location profitable.
In any
case, we are in the midst of a process of far-reaching change. What is
at stake is how we shall take part in such an interdependent world. We
know that the situation is not an easy one but on the other hand, when
did we ever enjoy an easy set of circumstances? We must analyse our
limitations and our weaknesses, but never in order to give up. Blaming
others for the ills that affect us; blaming the difficult situation,
foreigners, those in government, etc. is a futile exercise. If it is
true that those things that are wrong were forced upon us, we cannot
expect others to right their wrongs; we shall have to do it ourselves.
In such a changing situation as the current one, there is an element we
must take on as soon as possible: joint work; coming together in order
to cooperate. Cohesion and auzolan (joint work in a community)
will be the keys to our development over the coming years. In the new
Basque society, information, education, technology transfers, constant
exchange of ideas and the ability to transform will all be fundamental
for social and economic development. Therefore, our actions, the
actions of the social and economic agents will be crucial for the
future of our country.