This initiative, to be voted on this Thursday, seeks to ensure the continuity, quality, and accessibility of municipal services, especially in light of the effects stemming from the conflict in the Middle East, as reported by DIBA.

The approval of the Specific Program for Local Autonomy 4.0 at this time allows the funds to be used for both current expenditure and investments, thereby strengthening the autonomy of the beneficiary local governments.

Regarding current expenditure, local councils will be able to finance supplies and services to cope with increased energy bills, promote quality employment and labor insertion for vulnerable groups, maintain infrastructure and equipment, and boost the development of rural municipalities.

In terms of investments, actions are planned for public spaces, the creation of energy-sustainable and socially inclusive facilities, and the improvement of the network of local facilities for sports, education, youth, culture, or the elderly.

The distribution of the 20 million euros will be based on a set of criteria, with 19.9 million for municipalities and 60,000 euros for EMDs. Each municipality will receive a guaranteed minimum amount of 8,000 euros, representing 12.44% of the total (2,480,000 euros). The remaining 50.6% will be distributed based on population data as of January 1, 2025. Other criteria, each weighing 7.5%, include the inverse of disposable gross household income per inhabitant, unemployment, own revenues corrected for fiscal effort, municipal area, and population with low resources. EMDs will receive a fixed amount and a variable portion proportional to their population as of January 1, 2025.