€90 Million Mobilised for Local Development

The Diputació de Barcelona, the provincial authority overseeing local government support in the region, has mobilised €90 million from the European Union’s NextGenerationEU funds. The announcement followed a strategic session held on 29 September 2026 at the Barcelona School of Management, part of Pompeu Fabra University, titled 'NextGenerationEU and the Future of European Funding'. The event brought together local officials, national and regional government representatives, and EU policy experts to assess the impact of the funds and prepare municipalities for the upcoming EU financial framework for 2028–2034.

Preparing for the Next EU Funding Cycle

President Lluïsa Moret Sabidó highlighted the Diputació’s role in helping local councils navigate complex administrative requirements and tight deadlines. She described the experience gained since 2022 as a vital asset for securing future funding, noting that the funds are not just financial support but a catalyst for modernising public services.

The European funds represent a unique opportunity to advance ecological transition, digital transformation, and social cohesion at the local level.

Moret emphasised that the Diputació’s support has already helped mobilise over €71 million in EU funds since 2022, with the new €90 million marking a significant expansion of this effort.

Expert Insights on Strategic Planning

Ignasi Guardans Cambó, a former European Parliament member and expert in EU policy, delivered the opening keynote. He stressed the importance of strategic autonomy and long-term planning, particularly in times of economic and geopolitical uncertainty. Guardans noted that the NextGenerationEU funds have had a substantial positive impact across Catalonia and called for continued strategic use of future resources. Roundtable discussions examined how EU funding translates into tangible public policies, with contributions from officials including Mercedes Caballero Hueso of Spain’s Ministry of Finance, Francesc Trillas Jané of the Catalan government, and Santa Coloma de Gramenet mayor Mireia González Sáez.

Support Service Recognised as European Model

The Diputació’s Next Diba service, established in late 2020, continues to guide local administrations in accessing and managing EU funds. Now recognised as a successful model at the European level, it provides technical assistance, training, and strategic planning tools. The service is preparing local governments for the next multiannual financial framework, expected to run from 2028 to 2034, ensuring municipalities remain competitive in securing future EU investment.

Primary sources: Diputació de Barcelona, [email protected], bsm.upf.edu. Reported by badalonadigital.com.