Industry Leaders Demand Infrastructure Support
The second day of the BCN Desperta! 2026 forum took place on Thursday 1 October at Casa Seat in Barcelona, focusing on defence, security, and the economy. Organised by Crónica Global and Metrópoli Abierta with El Español, the event brought together representatives from the Catalan government, military, private sector, and experts. President of the Generalitat de Cataluña Salvador Illa opened the day’s proceedings, addressing the need to strengthen Europe’s strategic autonomy amid shifting global security dynamics. The morning session examined European defence, NATO’s future, and 21st-century deterrence, featuring military officials, geopolitical analysts, and journalists.
Catalan Defence Sector Seeks Greater Ambition
Joan Martorell, president of Gutmar and the AeroS task force, and Pedro Mier, president of Open Cosmos and adviser to AeroS, discussed Catalonia’s industrial capabilities in defence. A key message from industry voices was the need to capitalise on Europe’s rearmament drive without over-specialising, aiming instead for broad technological advancement.
The afternoon shifted focus to the regional economy, with debates on productivity, cybersecurity, and innovation.
Adrián Orbea, president of Henkel Ibérica, and Rafael Ruiz, president of Ebro EV Motors, highlighted structural challenges facing industrial expansion. Both stressed that long-term growth depends on improved public transport, specifically a reliable Rodalies commuter rail network, and a significant increase in available housing.
Government and Business Align on Economic Priorities
Their remarks echoed earlier forum discussions, including opening speaker Xavier Salvador’s warning that “without housing there is no health, industry, or technology.” Representatives from Foment del Treball and the Barcelona Chamber of Commerce also contributed to the economic analysis, while the Barcelona Supercomputing Center participated in talks on tech leadership. Salvador Illa later expressed regret over the rejection by Spain’s PP and Vox parties of the proposed friendship treaty between Spain and France, calling it a setback for bilateral cooperation. The final day of the three-day forum, Friday 2 October 2026, continues at Casa Seat with further sessions on technology and urban development.
More Barcelona coverage on Barna.News: Mayors urge joint response to Barcelona housing crisis.
Reported by cronicaglobal.elespanol.com, Europa Press, cronicaglobal.cat.
