Forward Thinking Study Visit to the Basque Country
From 13th - 16th April 2026, 27 participants from the PeacePlus Forward Thinking group took part in a study visit to the Basque Country. During the visit the group met with different organisations, academics, trade unions, and politicians to explore different views on Basque independence. We also met with a number of victims and survivors of the Basque conflict, including those bereaved or injured as a result of paramilitary violence or state violence.
About Forward Thinking
The Forward Thinking project is supported by PEACE PLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB). It is funded through Derry City and Strabane District Council’s PEACEPLUS Local Co-Designed Action Plan, under the theme of Celebrating Cultural Diversity.
Forward Thinking is an adult dialogue project focused around the future of North- South and East-West relationships. It includes exploring constitutional questions and challenges from a diverse range of perspectives, and considers NI in a global context.
The Forward Thinking group meeting victims and survivors of the Basque conflict on during the study visit
Day One: The group was hosted by Telesforo Monzon eLab (TMeLab) on the first full day of our study visit. The TM eLab is an initiative of the Olaso Dorrea (ODF) Foundation.
Programme
09:30 - Welcome and Introduction
Kick off the day with an overview of the programme and key objectives.
Presenter: Malen Domínguez (TMeLab) & Urko Aiartza (ODF)
10:00 - Visit to the Olaso Tower and briefing on its history
11:00 - Presentation of Naziometroa
Discover the Basque Barometer on identity and sovereignty, highlighting key trends and insights about public opinion.
Presenter: Malen Dominguez (TMeLab)
12:00 - Democracy and Political Culture
"Legitimacy, Satisfaction, and Effective Participation in the Basque Autonomous Community"
A study funded by Arantzazulab exploring citizen engagement and perceptions of democracy.
Presenter: Andoni Eizagirre (Mondragon University)
14:00 - Voices from Feminism and Trade Unions
A discussion on social movements and the role of feminism and unions in shaping Basque society.
Presenter: Kizkitza Gil de San Vicente & Jon Las Heras (EHU, Basque Country University)
15:00 - Sustainable Human Development and the Basque 'K' (K for Culture in Basque Language)
Examining the values, beliefs, and cultural foundations that guide Basque society today.
Presenter: Gorka Espiau (Agirre Lehendakari Center)
16:00 - Basics of Basque Politics
An introduction to the political system and current dynamics in the Basque Country. Presented by Parte hartuz Programme (EHU).
Presenter: Jon Azkune (EHU)
17:00 - The Reconciliation Process in the Basque Country: Voices of the Victims. Presenter: Agus Herran (GEBehatokia, Basque Observatory of Human Rights).
Speakers: Maria Jauregui ( Daughter of PSE leader Juan Maria Jauregui, killed by ETA); Axun Lasa (Victim of torture and sister of Joxan Lasa, abducted, tortured, executed and dissappeared by the State death squad, GAL)
Due to time restraints, the group will take part in a follow up session with Urko Aiartza (TMeLab) when they return home. The session will be ‘The Basque Conflict Transformation Process: An analysis of the conflict transformation efforts in the Basque Country and their lessons for peacebuilding.’
More information about the Lab can be found below:
Day Two: Visit to Parliament in the Basque Autonomous Community in Vitoria-Gasteiz were the group met with the four main political parties individually to discuss their position on Basque independence, factors/ issues supporting this perspectives, and challenges.
Naiara Bedialauneta: Member of Parliament from PNV party and President of the Foreign Affairs Committee
Igor Zulaika Zurimendi, Member of Parliament & Head of International Relations and Policy for the EH Bildu party
Jorge Juez: Member of the Basque Parliament representing the Socialist Party of the Basque Country (PSE-EE)
Javier de Andrés Guerra: President of the Partido Popular (Popular/ People's Party) (PP) of the Basque Country and a Member of the Basque Parliament.
The group also enjoyed a tour of Parliament, followed by lunch.
After a busy morning at Parliament, participants met with Martxoak 3 de Marzo- the March 3 Association. This is a campaign group comprised of victims and survivors impacted by the events of March 3, 1976 in Vitoria-Gasteiz when Spanish police fired upon striking workers who has assembled at a church for a meeting. Five men were killed and many more were injured. To find out more about the events and the Association, visit:
On our final day before we travelled back home, participants had time some free time to reflect and enjoy the attractions in Bilbao. Some took the opportunity to visit the iconic Guggenheim Museum or visit the Old Town.
Thank you to everyone who met with the group in the Basque Country and generously shared their knowledge and perspectives, and to those we engaged with in advance of our trip during numerous preparatory sessions, including Josu Albero and Begotxu Olaizola Elordi from Naziogintza Taldea.
A special thank you to Igor Zulaika Zurimendi & Ander Larunbe from EH Bildhu at the Basque Parliament for organising the visit and engaging with the various political parties on our behalf, and also to Urko Aiartza at TM ELab for hosting us on our first day, and arranging an extensive programme of engagements. Your help was invaluable.
