Who are we
We are in the heart of the Iberian Peninsula, a strategic location of communication between the north and the south of the country, pierced also by the axis between Portugal and the Mediterranean coast.
We are the third largest Spanish Region, with a surface area of 79 409 km2, representing 15,7% of Spanish territory. It is similar in size to countries such as the Czech Republic or Panama and larger than countries such as Ireland, the Netherlands, Denmark or Switzerland. However, we have the lowest demographic density in Spain, with 25 inhabitants per square kilometre.
We are a relatively recent political and administrative reality, born only four decades ago, but this land and its inhabitants dig their roots in history.
Our economic structure has a less expanded tertiary sector than the Spanish average. In the tertiary sector, activities related to Public Administration stand out (21,9%) along with commerce, repairing, transport and the hotel and catering business (20,0%). This less expanded tertiary sector is due to the larger role played by agriculture and industry (both manufacturing and extractive) in our region.
Our business community, as well as in the whole of Spain, is characterised by the prevalence of businesses with no employees and SMEs; barely any large companies.
We stand out as a winegrowing region worldwide. On top of this product, we are national leaders in goods such as cheese and other dairy products.
Concerning Energy, we are self-sufficient, as we produce double the amount of energy that we consume.
The natural protected spaces of the region make up a surface area of 580 980 hectares (Approximately 7,3% of the territory). We have two national parks, Cabañeros and las Tablas de Daimiel.
At a European level, and in relation to European Cohesion Policy, during the 2014-2020 period as a region in transition.
We defend our interests in Europe in the Bodies of which we are part of: the European Committee of the Regions, the Council of Ministers of the EU meetings, the European Commission Committees, the Conference of EU Affairs and through our Office in Brussels. We also express our priorities in the forums and regional networks we are part of: the Demographic Change Regions Network (DCRN) AND the Regional Initiative for Culture and Creativity (RICC). We also take part in the European Week of Regions and Cities, celebrated yearly in Brussels.
Directorate General for European Affairs
Functions and competences
The Directorate General for European Affairs is responsible for:
- Coordination of affairs related to the European Union.
- Support to administrative institutions and bodies of the Autonomous Community in its dealings with the European Union.
- Development of training and awareness-raising plans in European affairs and the collaboration with other institutions in the same work area to foster the transnationality of Castilla-La Mancha.
- Coordination and monitoring of European Union infringement cases against the Kingdom of Spain in the scope of the Autonomous Community’s competences.
- Coordination and monitoring of state aids and their compatibility with the European Union in the scope of the Autonomous Community.
Director General for European Affairs
Virginia Marco Cárcel
Address: Plaza Cardenal Silíceo, s/n. 45071 - Toledo
Phone numbers: +34 925 238 048 - +34 925 267 600
E-mail: dgasuntoseuropeos@jccm.es
