Modern Autonomy & EU Membership
With the Spanish Constitution of 1978, the Canary Islands became the Comunidad Autónoma de Canarias — one of 17 autonomous communities of Spain. The Canaries have their own parliament (based in Santa Cruz de Tenerife), their own government, and extensive powers in areas such as education, health, spatial planning, and environmental protection.
A unique feature: The Canaries have two equal capitals — Santa Cruz de Tenerife and Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. The seat of government alternates with each legislative period between the two cities. This solution reflects the centuries-old rivalry between the two largest islands.
Within the EU, the Canaries enjoy the status of an Outermost Region (RUP), granting them special rights:
- IGIC instead of IVA: Instead of the Spanish VAT (IVA, 21%), the significantly lower IGIC applies in the Canaries — the general tax rate is only 7%. Therefore, electronics, perfume, and alcohol are often cheaper here than on the mainland
- ZEC (Zona Especial Canaria): Special economic zone with greatly reduced corporate tax (4% instead of 25%), attracting international companies
- EU special rules: Subsidies for agriculture, transport, and renewable energies
Politically, the Coalición Canaria (CC) is an important force — a nationalist party representing Canary interests against Madrid without demanding independence. The sentiment is clear: Canarians feel first as Canarios, then as Spaniards. The distance to the mainland (over 1,000 km) and the proximity to Africa (only 100 km to Morocco) shape a unique self-identity.
