France/ Where can you find professionals who use eusko, the local Basque currency?

The local Basque currency, eusko, provides the public with an interactive map listing the 1,400 professionals who accept this method of payment. An extension project in Hegoalde (Southern Basque Country) is also in the pipeline.

Txalo à l'eusko, translate "Bravo l'eusko", because it's still the leading local currency in France and even Europe. Today, over 1,400 professionals and more than 4,200 people use it, for 4.2 million eusko in circulation, 1 eusko being equal to 1 euro. In the 12 years since it first appeared on our territory, the eusko has gradually gained in popularity, with each year bringing its share of new features.

First of all, eusko is getting a facelift on the web with the appearance ofan interactive online directory, a bit like a Google Maps for this currency. "We've been around for twelve years, with paper directories, and this year we're taking the digital plunge with an interactive map that can be operated from a computer, tablet or phone, where users can find all the professionals who accept eusko. People can also geolocate themselves to see the businesses that use eusko around them. It's a strategic issue and a real showcase for this currency, because now everyone can find out where to use eusko from their smartphone. In short, it becomes permanently accessible", explains Nikolas Blain, coordinator for Euskal Moneta.

It may seem strange to go digital in 2024, but it's about time (laughs). That's the nature of the associative system. We've had quite a few projects so far. We also chose to develop our own tool based on open-source software. All that takes a lot of time. In any case, we've taken the first step, and we have no doubt that this will be a plus in terms of promoting the circulation of local currency", he adds.

Towards a cross-border local currency

To increase the circulation of this Basque currency, will the association also extend into Hegoalde and Iparralde? " That's a question we've been asked a lot lately," smiles Xebax Christy, president of Euskal Moneta.In any case, this is the wish of its creators, and discussions have even begun with economic players on the other side of the Pyrenees and the Bidasoa. "In concrete terms, we're in touch with partners in Guipuscoa and Navarre. First of all, we want to carry out a survey in the field, to see if there is any interest among the population and players in the creation of such a currency. Ultimately, the aim is to create a cross-border local currency", explains the president.

For the moment, no implementation date has been given, although "by 2025, significant progress should have been made," adds Xebax Christy. Next year, we also want to strengthen the position of the eusko in local authorities, with the aim of making payment with this currency as widespread as possible in swimming pools, canteens, rents and even public transport". To be continued.

Source: www.francebleu.fr/