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The Generalitat denounces that the central government will not extend aid for displaced people from Ukraine and assures that the Consell will continue to help refugee families

With 42,000 people welcomed, the Valencian Community is the region of the country with the largest population displaced by this war conflict
From 2025, regional and local administrations will have to finance the aid and essential services provided to them

The regional secretary of Equality and Diversity, Asunción Quinzá, has regretted that the Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security and Migration is not going to extend, beyond 2025, aid for people displaced as a result of the migration crisis caused by the invasion of Ukraine, since the central Executive considers that it is the local and regional administrations that must assume the expenses generated by the care of these people.

As stated by the regional secretary, the Generalitat, on “two occasions”, has transferred to the central Government “the situation of this aid and the need for mechanisms that allow extending the financing and funds necessary to serve the beneficiaries of the regime. of temporary protection affected by the war in Ukraine and who lack sufficient economic resources.”

With more than 42,000 people welcomed, the Valencian Community is the region of the country that has received the most displaced population since this war began.

The regional secretary recalled that the massive arrival of people displaced by the war meant the “overflow” of the reception system designed by the Government of Spain, which caused both the Generalitat and the territorial administrations to make an “overexertion economically, materially and humanly.” ” to provide assistance to the population coming from Ukraine.

The objective, Quinzá emphasized, has been to “serve them, from the beginning, and avoid integration problems” by making essential public services available to them such as health care, education for children or advice on job searches.

Direct aid and financing of services

In total, since 2022, the central Executive has allocated 20.4 million euros to the Valencian Community to finance direct economic benefits and to cover actions carried out by local administrations for the benefit of displaced people.

Since then, the Generalitat has processed and paid 8,907 aid and has worked to incorporate many of the men and women who fled the conflict into the labor market, which has reduced their “dependence on social assistance.”

However, the regional secretary has pointed out, at this time "there are more than 20,000 displaced people who continue to need the support and assistance of the administration", both in the search for employment and in meeting their basic needs.

For this reason, and in response to the central Executive's announcement not to extend this aid, the Consell has expressed its concern and insists on the importance of "continuing to assist refugee families who lack sufficient economic resources", especially because, as of Today, the war continues and his return to Ukraine “does not seem viable.”

The Government's argument that the regional and local social services should be responsible for responding to the situation and the reference to the financial support measures that already exist, such as the minimum insertion income of the autonomous communities and the Minimum Living Income , “collides squarely with the underfinancing to which the Valencian Community is subjected, which, in this case, makes it difficult to provide aid to vulnerable people who have had to flee the invasion of their country,” Quinzá indicated.

Despite this, he assured, “we will continue to be in permanent contact, as we have done throughout this time, with the refugees and with the consular corps accredited in the Valencian Community to learn about their needs, concerns and concerns, and work together. to continue providing assistance to families hosted in the region.”

🌴 What’s On This Week – Costa Blanca

(Benidorm & surrounding areas)

Regional overview: steady pre-summer momentum

Across the Costa Blanca, including Benidorm, Altea, L’Alfàs del Pi (Albir), La Nucía and Finestrat, the region is entering a strong early-season phase with increasing visitor numbers, expanding nightlife, and a growing calendar of small cultural and leisure events ahead of the main summer period.

Markets, live music, coastal tourism and community events continue to dominate activity this week, alongside ongoing infrastructure improvements such as new sustainability and mobility projects.

BENIDORM – Markets, nightlife and tourism growth

Weekly street markets in Benidorm remain a key attraction, including Wednesday and Sunday general markets offering food, clothing and local goods.

The Old Town continues to host craft stalls and informal street entertainment, while evening activity is increasing as the summer season approaches.

Live music is now a nightly feature across main entertainment zones, with tribute acts, DJs and bar performances contributing to strong visitor activity.

Tourism officials also note continued preparation for upcoming seasonal events, including the build-up toward traditional spring and early summer festivals.

ALTEA – Culture and coastal leisure

Altea continues to focus on cultural tourism and relaxation, with art galleries, artisan shops and small exhibitions operating throughout the Old Town.

Live acoustic performances and low-key entertainment are taking place across seafront bars, while boat excursions from Altea harbour are operating regular coastal and sunset sailing routes depending on weather conditions.

ALBIR / L’ALFÀS DEL PI – Community events and live music

L'Alfàs del Pi and the Albir area maintain a steady mix of expat and local activity.

Weekly Friday markets remain popular, while Irish pubs and live music venues continue to host regular bands and acoustic performances.

The Casa de Cultura is also hosting community exhibitions, theatre and social events throughout the week.

LA NUCÍA – Sports and weekend activity

La Nucia continues to centre around sports tourism, with its major sports complex hosting training camps and competitive events.

The Sunday rastro flea market remains a key attraction, drawing visitors from across the region.

FINESTRAT – Coastal leisure and markets

Finestrat is experiencing growing beachfront activity as beach bars and restaurants reopen for the warmer season.

Markets in La Cala continue on Tuesdays and Saturdays, offering local produce and artisan goods, while sunset dining and relaxed evening entertainment are becoming more frequent.

VILLAJOYOSA – Culture, coastline and local life

Villajoyosa is experiencing steady early-season activity, supported by its historic old town, colourful seafront and growing cultural tourism offer.

Local markets and small artisan trading continue throughout the week, while the seafront promenade is seeing increased footfall as warmer weather returns.

The town also maintains its reputation for traditional fishing heritage, chocolate production history, and quiet beach tourism, offering a more relaxed contrast to nearby resort centres.

INFRASTRUCTURE UPDATE – Benidorm EV expansion

Alongside tourism growth, Benidorm is also continuing its sustainability rollout, including new electric vehicle charging infrastructure in the Levante area as part of its broader mobility and climate strategy.

The project forms part of EU-backed funding aimed at supporting low-emission transport across major Mediterranean destinations.

REGIONAL SUMMARY

Benidorm: busiest hub with nightlife, markets and entertainment growth
Altea: cultural, scenic and relaxed
Albir / L’Alfàs del Pi: balanced social and live music scene
La Nucía: sports-led and residential
Finestrat: beach-focused and seasonal lifestyle
Villajoyosa: coastal heritage, relaxed tourism and local culture

The Costa Blanca continues its gradual transition into peak tourist season, with activity levels rising steadily across all major towns.

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The Generalitat denounces that the central government will not extend aid for displaced people from Ukraine and assures that the Consell will continue to help refugee families

🌴 What’s On This Week – Costa Blanca

(Benidorm & surrounding areas)

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