Pedro Sánchez announces that the Council of Ministers will allocate 45 million euros to support university halls of residence

The President of the Government of Spain, Pedro Sánchez, has announced that, in addition to a new University Students' Statute, the Council of Ministers will approve an allocation of 45 million euros to launch seven university residence projects in the short term. In an initial phase, these projects will create nearly 2,000 new places at public universities across the country. "Universities are not immune to one of the country's major problems - access to housing", he emphasised, adding that, in this way, "we are ensuring equal opportunities for students who must relocate in order to pursue their studies".

Pedro Sánchez announced these measures at the signing ceremony for the declaration on the new University Students' Statute, which was attended by representatives from the universities and the student body.

As Pedro Sánchez pointed out in his speech, this new Statute updates the framework approved in 2010 - the first Statute under democracy - and recognises new rights. Specifically, he explained, it strengthens participation and representation, promotes mobility, emphasises psychological support, combats all forms of discrimination, guarantees work-life balance, protects data and digital disconnection, improves mentoring and work placement schemes, and further strengthens the defence of academic integrity.

The head of the Executive pointed out that, for the university system to fulfil its mission, we must all protect it, look after it and fund it, as well as help it to overcome the obstacles it faces in its day-to-day running.

The president stated that few things better represent Spain's progress than the history of our university system, "the greatest means of social mobility". He added that the Statute helps universities to fulfil this role, by providing a framework of rights and obligations designed to guarantee security and opportunities for all.

Message to those affected by Storm Adam

Pedro Sánchez began his speech with a message "of solidarity and full support" for all those affected by Storm Adam along the southern coast of Valencia and the northern coast of Alicante, as well as a call for "vigilance and the utmost caution, because the emergency continues".

"The priority, as it always has been, is now to protect lives. I therefore urge the public to keep themselves informed through official channels, avoid travelling and follow the instructions of the emergency services at all times."

Non official translation