The 58th edition of the Universitat Catalana d’Estiu (UCE) began on 17 August in Prada de Conflent, northern Catalonia, amid growing concerns over its long-term viability due to unresolved funding issues. Organisers confirmed that the Department of Research and Universities of the Generalitat has not yet finalised its financial contribution for 2026, while a 20% payment from the previous year remains outstanding.

According to a July statement cited by multiple sources, including Racó Català and El Nacional, the regional council of Occitania has also reduced its funding by more than half. This comes at a time when urgent repairs worth approximately €29,000 are needed at the Vallroc facilities to prevent possible closure. The UCE leadership, led by president Jordi Casassas, warned that these combined pressures threaten the institution’s continuity.

Opening proceeds despite uncertainty

Despite the financial strain, the week-long academic and cultural programme has launched as scheduled. Inaugural events took place at the Liceu Renouvier in Prada, beginning with historian Antoni Furió’s lecture marking the 750th anniversary of the death of King Jaume I. The theme for this year’s edition is “Catalan Countries, more than ever: development or progress”.

The programme includes tributes to Pau Casals on the 150th anniversary of his birth, the presentation of the Canigó Awards to La Bressola and El Punt Avui, and a tribute to Muriel Casals featuring Josep Rull, Carme Forcadell and Xavier Antich. Former political figures such as Pere Aragonès, Oriol Junqueras, Laura Borràs and Quim Torra are among those participating.

Government reassurances offered

We must advance towards ways for the UCE to be well integrated into the system, in the role it deserves.

Quim Nadal, Minister of Research and Universities, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the UCE during a press appearance in Prada, stating his intention to “maintain successive commitments” made by previous administrations. He referenced past interventions by himself and former minister Josep Huguet to resolve financial blockages, including facilitating the purchase of the current headquarters at Vallroc.

Nadal also highlighted the symbolic importance of recent events, such as the gathering of five former presidents of the Generalitat at Sant Miquel de Cuixà Abbey, calling it a demonstration of broad institutional recognition.

Institution calls for deeper recognition

UCE leadership continues to argue that the institution does not receive adequate support from public administrations. They stress that its value cannot be measured merely by attendance or course numbers, but by its longstanding academic, cultural and civic impact across Catalan-speaking territories since its founding over 50 years ago.

While organisers avoided framing the crisis in overtly political terms, they attributed the lack of stable funding primarily to a lack of awareness about the UCE’s role. The closing ceremony will feature Francesc Xavier Vila, Minister for Linguistic Policy.

Reported by Berto Sagrera, Òscar Palau, Guillem Barrera, Racó Català.