The University of Vigo's governing council convened recently to discuss its economic strategies for the next six years, focusing on negotiations with the Xunta de Galicia regarding a new Galician University Financing Plan. The meeting highlighted the annual accounts for 2025, presented by Xosé Henrique Vázquez, the Vice-Rector for Strategy, Governance and Economy, who provided an analysis of the university’s current financial situation and future outlook.
Vázquez noted that the review of the 2025 accounts revealed significant challenges in financial management, particularly concerning budget execution and maintaining economic balance. He emphasised the necessity to control the growth of structural current expenses, which currently outpace the recurring income needed to support them. In anticipation of the financing negotiations, he stated that the University of Vigo's strategy would be to "increase structural funding," supported by the institution's commitment to transparency, accountability, and sound financial practices, as reiterated by Rector Carmen García Mateo.
During the session, the council approved updates to the institutional declaration against fraud and a specific policy on gifts, commencing with a minute of silence in memory of the victims of the Urda train accident. García Mateo informed the council of the positive certification received for the quality assurance system from the EIDO, which she described as a significant advancement for doctoral studies. She also confirmed the resumption of work on the university's statutes, which are expected to be presented for approval at an extraordinary assembly in early January.
Vázquez highlighted five key areas of focus in the annual accounts presentation that would shape the university's future economic and financial challenges. He reported that in 2025, ordinary expenses grew at a rate significantly higher than ordinary income, with income rising by 3.5% from €218.10 million to €225.65 million, while expenses increased by 7.0% from €206.45 million to €220.92 million. He pointed out that this disparity affects the university's ability to take on new commitments.
Additionally, he noted that the savings from ordinary management decreased by nearly 60% in 2025, and the balance of current operations—essentially the funds required to operate the university daily—dropped to 0.36% of current income. The Vice-Rector also addressed personnel costs, which represent the largest portion of the university's budget. In 2024, personnel costs totalled €154.36 million, rising to €163.69 million in 2025, an increase of €9.33 million or 6%.
Vázquez explained that any excess over the authorised salary mass set by the regional government would have to be covered by the university itself, leading to increased operational expenses without corresponding recurrent income. He also discussed the need for better execution of the budget, noting that the execution rates for different budget chapters were below expectations, which has financial implications for the university.
Looking ahead, the Vice-Rector outlined four fundamental aspects that will define future economic policies: monthly economic monitoring of current balances, enhancing and diversifying stable funding sources, controlling structural commitments, and improving planning and execution to ensure economic sustainability.
In response to questions from council member Miguel Cuevas, both Vázquez and García Mateo reiterated that the university's strategy in negotiations for the new Galician University Financing Plan would focus on increasing structural funding. They also announced that a study on the basic needs of the Galician University System would be conducted, with negotiations expected to commence in mid-November.
The council's recent updates to its anti-fraud measures and ethical guidelines reflect an ongoing commitment to integrity and transparency within the institution. The new policy on gifts aims to clarify how to apply ethical principles in accepting gifts and invitations, establishing a common framework for all university members, particularly those involved in decision-making processes.
Vázquez concluded by stressing that integrity should not merely be a statement of principles but an integral part of university management.
