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Pradales Uses Paris Visit to Advance EU-Backed Push on BasqueFrance High-Speed Rail

He calls for a new, stronger European voice to shift cross-border links onto a coordinated ministerial track.

Overview

  • The Basque lehendakari is on a two-day official trip to Paris on November 17–18 to reinforce institutional, European and cultural ties with France.
  • He said he is working to convene a first‑quarter 2026 meeting in Irún and Hendaia with Spain's transport minister Óscar Puente, France's Philippe Tabarot and EU commissioner Apostolos Tzitzikostas.
  • High-speed rail connectivity is a central item on the agenda, including efforts to advance the 'Y' vasca link toward Paris after earlier French hesitation.
  • Pradales urged a new and stronger EU capable of speaking with a single voice so the Union does not drift into irrelevance.
  • He is accompanied by External Action chief Ander Caballero and the Basque delegate in France Arantza López de Munain as part of his broader international outreach since taking office.