Catalonia leads the capture of European funds: each euro invested is multiplied by up to 1.5

BarcelonaCatalonia leads the Next Generation European funds allocated to autonomous communities, with a total of 10.180 billion euros since their launch in 2021, according to the latest data registered by the Department of Economy. This figure, announced by the President of the Generalitat, Salvador Illa, during an event at the Palau de Pedralbes on the impact of these resources in Catalonia, has allowed, he explained, "to drive an economic, social, and environmental transformation that has contributed to economic growth".

At the same session, the Minister of Economy, Alícia Romero, who closed the event, highlighted that each euro invested through these funds is multiplied by up to 1.5 euros, meaning that the 10 billion captured with the funds will become more than 15 billion additional in the gross domestic product (GDP). According to studies commissioned by the department to evaluate the effects of the funds, these resources will represent 6.2% of the gross domestic product (GDP) in 2027. And she added that the positive impact of the funds on the Catalan economy will extend beyond 2027 because the multiplier effect gains intensity over time, contributes to increasing productivity, and reinforces the long-term growth potential of the Catalan economy”.

Of the 4,076 million assigned to Catalonia through sectoral conferences, in which the central government distributes resources to communities for housing, research, or any other specialty, as of March 31, the Generalitat had published calls and tenders worth 4,170 million. Currently, 3,241 million have been committed, 78% of what has been published, according to data from the Catalan executive.

From Territory to Education and Business

According to data from the Generalitat, the Department of Territory, Housing and Ecological Transition has received the largest amount from sectoral conferences, with 47.5% of the total via this route, which amounts to 1,937.8 million. It is followed by Education and Vocational Training, with 562.7 million (13.8% of the total), and Business and Employment, with 516.2 million (12.7%).

The funds have reached the beneficiary in Catalonia through four channels: in addition to the route of sectoral conferences between the central and autonomous governments (4,076 million), there is the direct concession from the Spanish government to Catalan entities (494 million), those obtained by Catalan entities from tenders published by the central executive (4,605 million), and state tenders that are executed in Catalonia (1,005 million).

Adamo at the forefront, followed by the Barcelona City Council

Of the total resources, the impact on the economic fabric and the knowledge sector stands out, with 4,100 million euros allocated to research, development, and innovation (R+D+i), to services for industry and the primary sector. These funds have also contributed to financing Catalonia's main infrastructures, with 3,924 million euros invested in mobility, energy, water, environment, and digital connectivity, according to government data. And, thirdly, they have also served to boost social and cultural development, with 1,320 million euros distributed among the social economy, education, employment, the promotion of the Catalan language and culture, sports, and the healthcare system.

Among the beneficiary entities and companies of these resources, Adamo Telecom, owned by the French fund Ardian, stands out with 245.5 million; followed by the Barcelona City Council, with 225 million; the Barcelona Supercomputing Center - National Computing Center (BSC-CNC), with 199 million; Openchip, with 122.1 million; and Tarragona Hydrogenb Network, with 104.2 million, according to Generalitat data. Also in the top positions are Seat, with 98 million; Telefónica, with 93.7 million; the University of Barcelona, with 88.6 million; Siemens Rail Automation, with 83.9 million; and the temporary union of companies (UTE) Siemens Rail and FCC, with 74.9 million.