The plan targets towns with fewer than 5,000 inhabitants and regional capitals with fewer than 15,000 inhabitants, foreseeing four calls for proposals, each with 100 million euros. Subsidies can cover up to 100% of project costs and include a 15% reserve for project drafting.
The information session, held in Tortosa, featured interventions from the Government delegate in Terres de l’Ebre, Joan Castor Gonell; the secretary of Local Governments and Relations with Aran, Xavier Amor; and the director general of Local Administration, Francisco José Belver. The objective is to facilitate municipalities in executing actions that improve municipal services, facilities, and infrastructure, especially for those with less economic and technical capacity.
Each call is expected to benefit between 80 and 90 municipalities and decentralized municipal entities (EMD). According to Xavier Amor, six or seven calls could cover almost all eligible towns. The plan will fund comprehensive town projects in areas such as public space improvement, housing, historical heritage conservation, economic development, and energy efficiency, including the climate control of classrooms and educational centers.
Terres de l’Ebre, with 41 municipalities, 5 EMDs, and 2 regional capitals meeting the criteria, is one of the regions with the most potential to benefit from the plan. The impact could be significant, providing resources for municipalities to boost investments and improve services and public spaces, an opportunity for small towns facing economic or technical challenges.
Maximum subsidies per town vary by population: up to 500,000 euros (100% funding) for towns up to 500 inhabitants; 1 million euros (100%) for 500-2,000 inhabitants; 2 million euros (98%) for 2,000-5,000 inhabitants; and 6 million euros (98%) for regional capitals under 15,000 inhabitants, such as Gandesa and Móra d’Ebre. The grants are compatible with other subsidies.
The program also reserves 15% of the subsidy amount for hiring external personnel to support local entities in project management and execution, particularly for municipalities with fewer technical resources. Funded actions must be completed within three years.
