How has the Basque Country's economy evolved since ETA's cessation?
Since the cessation of ETA's armed activities in 2011, the Basque Country has experienced notable economic improvements. Unemployment has fallen from nearly 11% in 2011 to 6.9% in 2026, and employment rates have risen from under 65% to 71.5%. The region's GDP growth reached 2.3% in the second quarter of 2026, a significant improvement from the 0.4% growth rate during the global financial crisis in 2011.
Despite these positive changes, the Basque economy still faces challenges. Inflation has risen to 4.5%, compared to 2.4% in 2011, influenced by international geopolitical tensions and trade tariffs. These factors continue to exert pressure on prices, affecting the cost of living for residents.
What are the new societal challenges in the Basque Country?
With the decline of terrorism as a primary concern, the Basque Country now faces different societal challenges. Housing affordability has become a significant issue, with 60% of citizens citing it as a major concern, up from 18% in 2011. The rising cost of housing and the difficulty for young people to achieve financial independence have made housing a central social issue.
Additionally, the region is experiencing demographic shifts. The population has increased by approximately 44,000 since 2011, largely due to immigration. The percentage of foreign-born residents has risen from 8.1% to 14%. However, the Basque Country is also aging, with life expectancy increasing from 82.2 to 84.4 years, while birth rates have declined significantly.
How has the political climate changed in the Basque Country?
The political climate in the Basque Country has also transformed over the past 15 years. Concerns about political issues and terrorism have significantly decreased. In 2011, 24% of Basques were worried about the political situation, and 13% about violence and terrorism. Today, these concerns have largely dissipated, with political issues concerning only 9% of the population.
Instead, everyday problems have become more prominent. Healthcare is now a concern for 40% of citizens, up from 3% in 2011, and crime worries 21%, compared to 3% previously. Immigration is also a growing concern, cited by 15% of the population, up from 11%.
What demographic changes are occurring in the Basque Country?
The Basque Country is undergoing significant demographic changes. The population has grown to 2,218,210, with immigration playing a crucial role in this increase. The proportion of residents of foreign origin has risen from 8.1% to 14%. However, the region is facing an aging population, with life expectancy rising and birth rates falling.
In 2011, 21,180 children were born, but by 2025, this number had dropped to 13,344. The fertility rate has decreased from 9.7 to six births per 1,000 inhabitants. Women are having children later, with the average age of motherhood increasing to 33.4 years. The age at which young people leave their parental homes has also risen, from 28.3 to 30.1 years, reflecting challenges in achieving economic independence.
How have gender roles and family dynamics evolved?
Despite economic improvements, gender roles and family dynamics in the Basque Country still show disparities. Women continue to spend more time on household chores and childcare than men, although the gap is narrowing. The difference in daily household work time has decreased from 54 to 36 minutes, and in childcare from 114 to 78 minutes.
Marriage trends have also shifted. In 2025, there were 7,449 marriages, 1,294 fewer than in 2011, with nine out of ten being civil ceremonies, compared to 66.8% previously. Despite these changes, 16.5% of women express dissatisfaction with their partner's participation in household duties.
FAQ: Basque Country post-ETA
What was the impact of ETA's cessation on the Basque economy?
ETA's cessation led to economic improvements, with unemployment dropping from nearly 11% in 2011 to 6.9% in 2026, and GDP growth reaching 2.3% in 2026.
What are the main societal challenges in the Basque Country today?
Housing affordability, demographic changes, and maintaining economic prosperity are the main challenges facing the Basque Country today.
How has the political climate changed since ETA's cessation?
The political climate has stabilized, with concerns about terrorism and political issues significantly decreasing among the population.
What demographic changes are occurring in the Basque Country?
The Basque Country is experiencing population growth due to immigration, an aging population, and declining birth rates.
How have gender roles evolved in the Basque Country?
Gender roles are evolving, with women spending less time on household chores and childcare, but disparities still exist.
Key takeaways
- Unemployment in the Basque Country has decreased to 6.9% in 2026.
- Housing affordability is now a major concern for 60% of Basque citizens.
- Population growth is driven by immigration, with foreign-born residents at 14%.
- Birth rates have declined, with the fertility rate dropping to six births per 1,000 inhabitants.
- The political climate has stabilized, with reduced concerns about terrorism.
