For better growth, we must invest in batteries to store green energy or attract talent, but the key to the future is fairer financing. There is agreement between the Minister of Economy, Alícia Romero, and three of her predecessors from different political families, who are clear that there are aspects on which there can be broad consensus.

No one could have imagined, when the US and Israel launched the first attacks against Iran on Saturday, February 28, that especially Washington and, specifically, US President Donald Trump, had not foreseen the consequences. The evolution of events makes it increasingly clear: there was no strategy. At least, not on the part of the US. Another thing is the government of Benjamin Netanyahu, which takes advantage of the opportunity to achieve its expansionist goals, with no regard for international law and human rights.

For the third consecutive year, reality has exceeded forecasts for the Spanish economy. On average, 25 research institutions and departments calculated that Spain's gross domestic product (GDP) would increase by around 2.1%, while it ultimately grew by 2.8%, a difference of seven-tenths of a percentage point. Ceprede-UAM (Center for Economic Forecasting-Autonomous University of Madrid) and CEEM-URJC (Center for Economic Studies of Madrid-King Juan Carlos University) came closest to the final result, with a forecast of 2.5%, a deviation of three-tenths of a percentage point from the actual growth.

The US and Israeli attacks on Iran are already impacting people's wallets. The situation will worsen the longer the conflict lasts and the longer it takes to resolve the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, through which a fifth of the world's oil and gas passes. "Nobody knows what will happen tomorrow, but we do know that the risk is very high," says Javier Díaz-Giménez, a professor at IESE Business School. The problem is that we are in a context of uncertainty and volatility, adds Pedro Aznar, an economics professor at ESADE Business School.

Although the intensity with which they are defended depends on the possibility of their approval, few politicians can publicly question that having a budget is better than not having one. This is probably why President Salvador Illa has opted to play it safe and force ERC to take a stance and, in any case, provide a solid argument for why they are prepared to block it.

The lack of talent and qualified personnel to fill job vacancies is not only a problem for companies, but also affects economic growth. The employers' association of the Vallès region, Cecot, has issued this warning and raised the issue in a report entitled Towards a sustainable labor market 38 proposals to address the problem, which has various facets, ranging from demographics to changes in the labor market. Among the proposals are aligning school hours with work schedules, promoting active and reversible retirement, and further encouraging teleworking, among others aimed at attracting more talent to companies.

The current situation is positive. Growth prospects remain good for this newly begun 2026. In general, Spanish companies are more optimistic than their European counterparts, although several variables cloud their potential, such as high tax rates and absenteeism—especially sick leave—according to employers' organizations. These are essential elements, they affirm, for improving competitiveness and productivity. A key positive point is exports—once the initial shock of tariffs in the trade policies implemented by Donald Trump in the US has subsided—despite geopolitical instability, according to the survey results. Business Outlook 2026 which are prepared annually by European chambers of commerce, including the Spanish chamber, chaired by José Luis Bonet.

Catalonia has a problem that has been identified for some time. And it's not that they do little or bad work: according to the latest regional accounting data from the INE, Productivity growth per hour worked in Catalonia is above the Spanish average and, especially, above that of the Community of Madrid. This trend is largely due to the greater weight of industry, which contributes more added value, investment, and exports than in Madrid, where services are even more prevalent. In any case, the Spanish capital leads in average salaries, due to the high concentration of headquarters of large companies and, therefore, of well-paid managers and executives. But the real problem is wealth redistribution: Madrid leads the way—the capital city effect plays a significant role—with a larger share of the wealth per capita. The second and third positions are occupied by two regions with their own financing models: the Basque Country, which also has a large industrial sector, and Navarre. The solution? There isn't a single one, but some could include reviving initiatives such as the pact to increase the weight of industry, given the advantages this activity provides to the economy as a whole; Promoting the creation of larger or more technologically advanced companies (more value and higher wages) and a regional funding model that, while perhaps not unique, is certainly fairer. Little...

The growth of the Catalan economy rests on two fundamental pillars: household consumption and, especially, investment. Gross domestic product (GDP) registered a 2.4% year-on-year increase in the third quarter, following a 0.8% rise compared to the April-June period, according to the Statistical Institute of Catalonia (Idescat). The increase in GDP "is mainly explained by the evolution of domestic demand, with growth of 3.7%, primarily due to the increase in gross fixed capital formation –investment– (6.9%) and household consumption (3.5%)," the institute explains. which confirms the estimate made in early November.

A new record, just like last year. Fira de Barcelona closes the 2025 fiscal year with revenues exceeding €350 million, 17% higher than in 2024. These are "excellent results," according to the mayor and president of the entity's general council, Jaume Collboni. He added that Fira is consolidating its position as a driver of economic activity, boosting innovative sectors with an economic impact of over €6 billion and generating 50,000 jobs in Barcelona and Catalonia. Operating profit (EBITDA), despite the cancellation of biennial trade shows like Alimentaria – which will take place next year – grew by 8% to €60 million.

The president of the Spanish Confederation of Managers and Executives (CEDE), Isidre Fainé, today urged business leaders to anticipate market trends "without losing sight of the company's social purpose." During the closing ceremony of the organization's 24th congress in Zaragoza, the president of the La Caixa Foundation and Criteria called for leadership marked by "humanistic and social values" to contribute to a more inclusive growth model. "Change is constant, and the speed at which it occurs forces us to be in a state of permanent adaptation," he said. He noted that "we are living in a time of great technological, economic, and social transformations," and in this environment, "strategic planning is essential, but it will only be effective if it is accompanied by flexibility, rapid response, and a comprehensive vision." Throughout his speech, Fainé explained many challenges that can bring opportunities and that arise from "major global forces, such as the European integration process, growing social inequalities and political polarization, international geopolitical conflicts, climate change, the demographic transition, and, of course, the technological revolution." Fainé stated that "today, business leaders are expected not only to be efficient, but also to set an example and demonstrate social commitment." He added, "Corporate legitimacy is increasingly built on its social utility." Fainé urged executives to take action so that companies become "engines of progress and vectors of social cohesion" and contribute to "a fairer, more inclusive, and more sustainable society." In his view, leaders must "treat people with respect, think long-term while remaining mindful of the short term, and anticipate future needs." One of the key elements, he added, is innovation. And he expressed his conviction that the prosperity of society "will not be determined by machines, markets, regulations, or artificial intelligence, but will depend on our human capacity to think and act with meaning, wisdom, purpose, and with heart."

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has once again ranked Spain as the fastest-growing advanced economy. For this year, it has raised gross domestic product (GDP) growth by four-tenths of a percentage point compared to its estimate made last spring, to 2.9%, even higher than the Spanish government's forecast of 2.7%. And for next year, it estimates it will be 2%, two-tenths of a percentage point higher than the spring forecast.

Tourism still drives the entire Catalan economy and business, but with less intensity. This is indicated by all the forecasts, and by other analyses as well. This allows the large services sector, the one with the greatest weight in the economy as a whole, to maintain a high cruising speed (0.8%). On the other hand, industry, hospitality, and transportation remain stable (0%), catapulting the share of visitors staying in four- and five-star hotels to 56.4% of the total. On the other hand, the number of state tourists fell to 7.6 million, as the Barcelona Chamber of Commerce points out in its 2024 Economic Report. In any case, given the higher levels reached, more income will have to be adapted than from visitors, according to They warn some economics professors, as Guillem López Casasnovas.

In tourism, it's now time to decline. At least, relative to previous growth rates. We'll see how society experiences a process of this nature. We'll see it from a variety of perspectives: will maintaining record visitor numbers year after year constitute decline? Of course, from the perspective of maintaining the figure, which would already be a milestone, this would imply a zero growth rate! Will recording growth rates lower than those of the past be perceived as decline? More of the same: in terms of growth rates, but increasing less rapidly than before, will it be considered a failure, despite reporting absolute increases in visitors? Is it necessary to decrease in absolute terms, or would it simply suffice to replace one type of tourist with another, considering greater productivity—that is, greater income generation per employee—as a satisfactory improvement? For the same turnover, it may not be necessary to have so many tourists if they are more willing to pay.

Slightly lower growth. The Ministry of Economy forecasts that Catalonia's gross domestic product (GDP) will increase by 2.6% this year, one-tenth less than its estimate last October, but well above the rate of growth across the European Union (EU). These forecasts, which assume a slowdown of one percentage point compared to 2024, when the increase was 3.6% and GDP exceeded €300 billion for the first time, are included in the macroeconomic scenario for Catalonia 2025-2026, published this Thursday. For next year, the forecast is 2% and it is estimated that around 100,000 jobs will be created in the two years and that the unemployment rate will fall from 8.9% of the working population in 2024 to 8.5% this year, and 8.4% next year.

Elites seem to be losing their heads over degrowth. They are the ones however that they are out of step with reality, and out of step with recent scientific developments. Degrowth is a well-established scientific position, which has bee discussed at length in several major international reports, including by the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and the UN panel on biodiversity. Scientists argue that degrowth in high-income nations is necessary if we are going to stop biodiversity loss and decarbonize the economy fast enough to stay under 1.5 degrees, as per the Paris Agreement.