The Mexican Senate has become the stage for an important announcement: President of the Catalonia Generalitat, Salvador Illa, has proposed creating a forum to unite regions from Europe and the Americas. In his view, such a format would allow for joint solutions to pressing global issues. Illa emphasized that cooperation between regions could serve as an alternative to isolationist policies and the erection of new barriers.
In his speech, Illa stressed the need to strengthen multilateral ties. He noted that sharing experiences and working on joint projects between regions could boost their influence on the international stage. The Catalan leader cited examples of successful collaboration, such as the Euroregion Pyrenees-Mediterranean and the ‘Four Motors for Europe’ alliance, which includes Catalonia, Baden-Württemberg, Lyon, and Milan.
International Dialogue
The audience included representatives from the governments of Quebec, the Basque Country, as well as several Mexican states, including Nuevo León and Mexico City. Illa expressed hope that the new forum would help bring regions on both sides of the Atlantic closer together. He suggested holding the first meeting in Barcelona to kick off this international dialogue.
The Catalan president emphasized that regions should become active participants in global processes. According to him, only joint efforts will make it possible to face the challenges of our time, such as economic crises, migration, and climate change. Illa also noted that federalism and institutional loyalty are key components for the successful development of territories.
Against Isolation
In his speech, Illa drew a parallel between open-door policies and the attempts of some countries to build walls along their borders. He stated that such measures only deepen isolation and deprive regions of opportunities for growth. The Catalan leader called for seeing borders not as barriers, but as points of connection and exchange.
Illa stressed that diversity of cultures and traditions should be a source of strength, not a reason for division. He reminded that only through cooperation can the conditions for sustainable growth and prosperity for all participants be created. In his view, regions can offer fresh perspectives on international relations and become engines of change.
Catalonia and Mexico
During his visit to Mexico, Salvador Illa also opened the Catalonia stand at the Guadalajara Book Fair. He highlighted the importance of cultural ties between the regions and expressed readiness for further exchange of knowledge. In particular, a cooperation agreement was signed with the University of Guadalajara, providing for joint projects with the Barcelona Supercomputing Center.
The Catalan president emphasized that his initiative aims to create “a world where everyone wins.” He opposed the model where some succeed at the expense of others, and called for the formation of a “circle of mutual benefit” for all participants in the new forum.
Historical memory
In conclusion, Illa expressed gratitude to Mexicans for supporting Catalan republicans during their years of exile. He recalled that it was in Mexico City, in 1954, where the president of the Generalitat in exile, Josep Tarradellas, was elected—allowing Catalan institutions to maintain continuity until the restoration of democracy. According to Illa, this act of solidarity will forever remain in the memory of Catalan society.
If you didn’t know, Salvador Illa has served as president of the Generalitat of Catalonia since 2024. Prior to that, he was Spain’s Minister of Health and became well known for his role in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic. Illa is recognized as a proponent of dialogue and cooperation among regions, as well as an active participant in international forums. His initiative to create a new regional forum reflects Catalonia’s efforts to strengthen its global standing and expand partnerships with other territories.
