Albert Piñeira, director of the Generalitat House in Perpignan, Northern Catalonia, has completed his first year in the role, highlighting significant progress in cross-border cooperation and the promotion of Catalan language and culture.
Piñeira, a former mayor of Puigcerdà (Lower Cerdanya) from 2011 to 2023, expressed satisfaction with the office's achievements, particularly in strengthening institutional relations and reviving Catalan language courses. He described the Generalitat House as distinct from other external delegations, explaining that its placement under the Department of the Presidency reflects the shared language, culture, and socio-economic identity between Northern Catalonia and the southern Catalan counties.
"We are not like the Generalitat's external delegations, which are part of the Department of European Union and External Action," Piñeira stated, according to the interview. "It makes sense for us to be part of the Department of the Presidency because this is a shared territory with which we have many things in common: language, culture, identity, and the same socio-economic and socio-demographic space." He added that the office's primary focus is to build alliances, initially between Northern Catalonia and the Girona region, then expanding to areas such as sport, mobility, energy, education, and economy.
Fostering Cross-Border Links
A staunch advocate for cross-border initiatives, Piñeira championed the Cerdanya Hospital as a prime example of successful collaboration. Located in Puigcerdà, this facility stands as the European Union's sole cross-border hospital, serving communities on both sides of the French-Spanish border. He explained that cross-border cooperation is deeply embedded in the Cerdanya region's identity, citing long-standing shared infrastructure such as an abattoir in Ur, a joint wastewater treatment plant, and a 19th-century international water canal that supplies the area.
Further examples of this integration include shared festivals, school exchange programmes, and a consortium between the Puigcerdà and Bourg-Madame (La Guingueta d'Ix) councils, which collaborate on water management, culture, education, and healthcare. Piñeira also noted that Occitania region transport services include stops in Puigcerdà. He asserted that "necessity, willingness, and conviction" drive this cooperation, enabling communities to transcend state boundaries.
Piñeira believes that the importance of the European Union is best demonstrated through tangible benefits, rather than abstract treaties. "We will not convince people about the importance of the European Union by talking about international treaties," he said. "We will convince them by saying that it costs the same to make a call from Perpignan to Barcelona as it does to call a neighbour in Puigcerdà." This practical approach, he argued, helps overcome the "mental frameworks of states."
Promoting Catalan Language and Culture
A core mission of the Generalitat House is the promotion and preservation of the Catalan language and culture in Northern Catalonia. Piñeira confirmed the successful reintroduction of Catalan language courses, highlighting the Generalitat's financial commitment of approximately €54,000 to €55,000 annually to fund a Catalan teacher. He stressed the necessity of a government that is "sensitive to the language" and understands the significance of supporting its presence in the region.
Piñeira's political background, including 12 years as mayor of Puigcerdà, informs his approach to consensus. Despite consistently holding an absolute majority, he made a practice of negotiating municipal budgets with opposition parties, believing that "if I could add another group, the budget was better." He applies this philosophy to his current role, emphasising the value of diverse perspectives. When asked about his political identity, Piñeira confirmed he is a republican and Catalanist, a stance he believes aligns with the majority of people in Catalonia. He stated, "I have no problem wearing a T-shirt that defines me as a republican and Catalanist."
The Catalan Cross-Border Space (EsCaT)
The concept of the Catalan Cross-border Space (EsCaT) is central to the office's strategy, encompassing Northern Catalonia and the Pyrénées-Orientales department, which includes Fenouillèdes (Occitania). Piñeira explained that these adjacent territories, forming a unified geographical and cultural reality, are encouraged to cooperate with the Girona counties. This collaboration extends to institutions such as the University of Perpignan, local chambers of commerce, and schools.
Piñeira acknowledged the inherent challenges of cross-border work, which he described as requiring "constancy, tenacity." He elaborated on these difficulties, noting the presence of "administrative divisions, mental frameworks, differing competencies, and customs." Despite these obstacles, he believes that a strong conviction is essential to bridge these gaps. He also touched upon the political climate, including the rise of the far-right in France, suggesting that understanding developments in Northern Catalonia can offer insights into broader trends in the south.
Looking forward, Piñeira underscored the ongoing need for sustained effort and a broad vision to overcome existing divisions. He reiterated that by focusing on shared needs and a common identity, the region can continue to build stronger cross-border ties, demonstrating the practical and cultural benefits of cooperation and fostering a more integrated European identity.
