Dreams on Hold: Xàbia Misses Out on €9 Million EU Boost

With a name that certainly didn’t leave anyone indifferent, Raíces de Futuro (“Roots of the Future”) was the ambitious plan unveiled last February by Xàbia’s tripartite government, a coalition of PP, CpJ, and Vox. The goal? A sweeping transformation of the town: restoring historic buildings, building a new sports hall, revitalising Parque Montaner, and steering the municipality toward a smarter, more cultured, and more sustainable future.

Naturally, all of this required serious funding. The total budget came to €14.9 million, with the council hoping to cover 60% through European Union funds, specifically via the EDIL programme (Local Integral Development Strategy). That meant almost €9 million from Brussels, money that, for now, won’t be coming.

The bad news arrived at the weekend. According to a resolution from the Ministry of Finance, Xàbia was not selected for the funds, while other towns in Alicante province, such as Torrevieja, Alcoi, Santa Pola, and Villena, will benefit. Xàbia reportedly received an “insufficient” score. The consolation? The town has been placed on a reserve list. If any municipality that did receive the funds decides to decline them – considering local councils must contribute 40% of the project costs themselves – Xàbia could still see a turnaround.

At least Xàbia made the waiting list, unlike other towns such as Calp or Teulada, which didn’t even make the reserve list. But everything remains provisional: municipalities still have the right to appeal the decision.

Raíces de Futuro hasn’t had an easy path. From the start, critics warned that the enormous proposal was submitted late, hurriedly drafted, and riddled with errors and recycled content. It seems Europe wasn’t entirely sold on the idea either – at least for now.

Adapted from an original article published in La Marina Plaza: El plan del tripartito para cambiar Xàbia de arriba a abajo se queda sin 9 millones de ayudas europeas