Bilbao

What is unique about the city?

Bilbao is the principal city of the Basque Country, an autonomous region within the Spanish state, endowed with substantial financial and fiscal autonomy. This autonomy enables local governments to access greater economic and human resources. Since the establishment of the Basque Government’s first Immigration Directorate in 2001, followed by the approval of the first Basque Immigration Plan (“Plan Vasco de Inmigración”) in 2003, the Basque Autonomous Community has been recognised for its progressive and inclusive approach to immigration and citizenship policy – among the most forward-thinking in Spain.

These policies led to a comprehensive network of public services that support migrant integration, while also fostering collaboration with public institutions, particularly local councils. Within this context, Bilbao has emerged as the primary testing ground for implementing these policies and the principles of the Basque Social Pact on Migration of 2019. This political declaration sets out shared values and commitments for public institutions, civil society, and individuals alike.

​​What are the key factors?

Bilbao’s local approach to migration and diversity is grounded in three core principles: public responsibility, public-social collaboration, and multilevel governance. These are underpinned by a strong political commitment and a regional Basque context that is particularly conducive to inclusive policymaking. Factors such as fiscal autonomy, a distinct cultural and linguistic identity, diverse political leadership, and broad societal support for a welfare model all contribute to this favourable environment.

• Public responsibility refers to the commitment of public institutions to ensure the reception, integration, and participation of migrants through universally accessible services and rights.

• Public-social collaboration is embodied not only in participation mechanisms, but also in the active involvement of civil society entities that advocate for migrants' rights (e.g., through initiatives like “Harreragune” and the Anti-Rumours Strategy) as well as migrant-led bodies such as the Local Immigration Council.

• Multilevel governance is demonstrated through close inter-institutional collaboration among Basque-level administrations: the Basque Government (regional level), Biscay Province (territorial level), and the City of Bilbao (local level). This is especially evident in joint initiatives such as “Harreragune”, the Basque Forum on Migration and Asylum, and the network of local immigration technicians.

What are the most outstanding results so far?

Bilbao’s local migration policies have led to significant outcomes in a number of areas. In terms of participation and empowerment, the city has seen the consolidation of 26 active migrant associations that shape the city’s participatory budgeting process. These associations also play a key role in the ongoing work of the Local Immigration Council, which convenes various working committees to address specific issues and initiatives.

Efforts to engage the wider local population have also been noteworthy. A citywide network of social support organisations plays a crucial role in the local governance of migration, and a network of anti-rumour agents has been established across Bilbao’s districts to combat misinformation and promote accurate, positive narratives about diversity. The city has made a point of publicly recognising the valuable contributions of diverse communities, with a particular focus on highlighting the experiences and leadership of migrant women.

On a more strategic level, the Bilbao City Council maintains a strong presence in national and international networks and initiatives focused on diversity. A major milestone in 2024 was the official launch of “Harreragune”, a comprehensive public service dedicated to welcoming migrants. Additionally, the city continues to monitor public attitudes toward migration through targeted studies conducted by the Basque Immigration Observatory, “Ikuspegi”, which helps to inform future policy decisions.