Funding has been set at €81,000 a year to provide specialized training, technical advice, support in accessing European funds and awareness campaigns. The agreement also includes a report on the cooperation sector in Aragon to highlight the organizations’ activities and strengthen transparency. With this agreement, both entities have continued the collaboration maintained over the past four years.
A GOVERNMENT THAT HAS LEFT COOPERATION ASIDE
Nerea Marín, the provincial deputy responsible for Cooperation and International Solidarity, defended the provincial institution’s support amid a situation she described as worrying. "Cooperation hangs by a thread," she said, before criticizing cuts by the Government of Aragon. Marín insisted on the need to include development cooperation in public policies and stressed its importance both for the target populations and for municipalities in Zaragoza province.
That commitment has also taken shape in the 2026 international cooperation grants program, funded with €2,854,000, 15% more than the previous year. The deputy also recalled the work carried out with the university and the FAS on development education. She likewise defended the need to support those who coordinate, train and accompany organizations, in addition to funding specific projects.
"COOPERATION DOES NOT TAKE ANYONE’S PLACE"
FAS President Isabel Funes warned that the resources allocated to cooperation in Aragon have fallen to their lowest level in the past 25 years. In response to that situation, she defended development education as a tool for promoting social justice and solidarity. "Cooperation does not take anyone’s place; on the contrary, it brings us together and makes us stronger," she said. She also explained that the agreement had provided support for strengthening joint work and informing the public about the work of NGOs.
Funes also highlighted the role of small municipalities and their contributions to cooperation that is close to communities and linked to local entities. The agreement includes activities to explain this work and strengthen the federation’s dialogue with public administrations. Its president emphasized the involvement of volunteers and thanked the DPZ for its support: "At this time of clouds, a small light is emerging at the Provincial Council."
