Ibone Bengoetxea has underscored the historical contribution of the Basque diaspora to the preservation of the Basque language, known as Euskera, and highlighted the significance of self-government in fostering social well-being. The Vice President and Minister of Culture and Linguistic Policy of the Basque Government participated in the National Basque Week held in Villa María, Córdoba, Argentina, where she delivered a lecture on the political, cultural, and linguistic realities of the Basque Country to nearly a thousand members of the Basque-Argentine community gathered for this annual event.
During her address, Bengoetxea conveyed the Basque Government's recognition and gratitude for the role the diaspora has played over the decades in preserving Basque identity, culture, and language. She noted that Argentina holds a significant place in the collective memory of the Basque Country, having welcomed thousands of Basques during times of exile and playing a crucial role in maintaining ties with their homeland.
The lecture coincided with the commemoration of the 90th anniversary of the first Basque Government, led by José Antonio Agirre. Bengoetxea reflected on the political and human legacy of that administration, which was established following the approval of the first Statute of Autonomy. She emphasised the enduring values of freedom, democracy, social justice, and respect for human rights that guided their actions, even amidst the Civil War and exile.
She also recalled the historical connection between Agirre and Argentina, the country that hosted him during his exile and from which he continued to advocate for Basque freedom and self-government. Bengoetxea praised Basque self-government as a vital tool for national construction and social well-being, stating that the institutional capabilities developed under the Gernika Statute have enabled the implementation of independent policies in areas such as healthcare, education, social protection, culture, industry, and innovation, significantly contributing to the economic and social development of the Basque Country.
A central theme of her speech was the Basque language and the role of the diaspora in its international promotion. Bengoetxea highlighted that Argentina was a pioneer in the organised teaching of the Basque language outside of Euskadi, with the launch of the Argentinan Euskaraz programme in 1990, which later evolved into Euskara Munduan, the main programme for promoting Euskera in the diaspora. Currently, around 75 Basque cultural centres, known as euskal etxeak, worldwide offer Euskera classes, with nearly half located in Argentina.
The Vice President acknowledged the commitment of hundreds of teachers, students, and Basque organisations that facilitate the transmission of the language across generations, as well as the collaboration between institutions like the Etxepare Basque Institute, HABE, and FEVA to strengthen the teaching and accreditation of Euskera in the country.
In her address, Bengoetxea also discussed the main challenges currently facing the Basque Country, including energy transition, technological transformation linked to artificial intelligence, access to housing, strengthening public services, and promoting science and innovation. She stated that the Basque Government aims to tackle these transformations with a focus on social cohesion, economic competitiveness, and the defence of its unique identity.
In the concluding part of her speech, Bengoetxea urged the Basque community abroad to continue playing an active role in the global Basque Country of the 21st century, maintaining cultural and identity ties while also contributing to creating new opportunities for collaboration in areas such as knowledge, innovation, and business activity.
In addition to participating in the events of the National Basque Week, Bengoetxea attended the Annual Assembly of FEVA, the Federation of Basque-Argentine Entities, where she expressed the Basque Government's support for the work of the euskal etxeak and shared key projects aimed at strengthening the relationship between Euskadi and the Basque diaspora. She concluded by reaffirming the Basque Government's commitment to Basque communities abroad, asserting that "Euskadi is also built from its communities around the world," a reality that, she noted, has Argentina as one of its main historical and contemporary references.
