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The Governing Council of the Basque Government gave a green light, at a meeting held last Tuesday, for aid for people who are in situations of extreme need in Basque communities abroad.  It will be published in the Official Bulletin of the Basque Country in the coming days. 

Vitoria-Gasteiz.   The Basque Government approved a budget of 202,000 Euros to grant to Basque Clubs around the world on the behalf of club or community members who find themselves in a situation of extreme need, at a meeting held last Tuesday. 

This aid, which will be published in the Official Bulletin of the Basque Country, will provide help to people who, for reasons of currency fluctuations, or economic deficiencies in some countries; age; lack of resources; health crises; or due to accidental incapacitation are at serious risk of social exclusion.

Applicants must also comply with the following criteria:

a) Prove Basque community membership
b) Reside abroad
c) Lack of assets and income to cope with care needs, or situations of dire need
d) Reside in a private home, and not be a member of organizations, communities or institutions that are obliged to assist them by their rules or statues

In granting aid, the family’s economic situation will also be taken into account by considering what a median income is in that country, the severity of the health issue, or the situation of dire need, and the adequacy of the request for need.

Aid may be granted for 100 percent of the request, limited by the basic income in force in the Autonomous Basque Community, except aid for health contingencies that are not limited by this.

All aid will be awarded through Basque clubs in each demarcation, so interested individuals need to approach the Basque club closest to them, who will be responsible for applying for funds.

Since the program began in 2003, the Basque Government has continued this program annually and provided aid to some 70 to 100 families in Chile, Uruguay, Venezuela and Cuba, according to those responsible.