Barcelona metropolitan budget priorities for 2026 have been unveiled, with housing and transport receiving the lion’s share of a €2.9 billion spending package.
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The Metropolitan Area of Barcelona (AMB) has approved its financial roadmap for next year, marking the third-largest public budget in Catalonia after the regional government and Barcelona City Council.
Transport Infrastructure Receives Major Boost
The budget allocates €477.8 million to mobility and sustainability, representing over 33% of total spending.
This substantial investment will focus on enhancing sustainable urban transport and improving air quality across the metropolitan region.Furthermore, the strategy includes continuing the renewal of public transport fleets with low or zero-emission vehicles while expanding shared services like bicycle and motorcycle schemes.
According to the approved plan, €203.3 million will go to the Metropolitan Transport Authority, while €211.7 million is reserved for managing indirect public transport services. This commitment to transport infrastructure comes despite a €40 million drop in metropolitan tax revenue, as recent transport developments have highlighted the ongoing need for metropolitan coordination.
Housing Crisis Addressed With Strategic Investment
The Barcelona metropolitan budget priorities place housing policy as a cornerstone of social policy, with €150 million dedicated to affordable construction, social renting and building rehabilitation. The Metropolitan Land Promotion Institute (IMPSOL) will receive €44.4 million specifically for financing publicly-owned housing destined for affordable or social renting.
This housing initiative aligns with broader efforts to tackle accommodation challenges, building on recent funding secured for Barcelona’s housing crisis. The metropolitan administration aims to have promoted nearly 11,000 public homes within a decade, with approximately 6,000 new protected dwellings expected by 2030.
Antonio Balmón, executive vice president of AMB and mayor of Cornellà de Llobregat, emphasised the collaborative nature of the budget, stating: “We’re not just approving a document, but a shared policy and ensuring we will carry it out.” The budget received cross-party support from PSC, Junts per Catalunya, En Comú Podem, ERC and Vivim Montcada i Reixac.
Environmental Commitments and Local Investment
Environmental protection receives significant attention, with €418 million allocated to water management, waste processing and climate action. The water cycle management alone accounts for €170.24 million, while waste management under the Metropolitan Zero Waste Agreement gets €234.5 million.
Additionally, €13 million will drive ecological transition through photovoltaic installations, utilising the AMB’s own funds, municipal contributions and Next Generation EU financing. The budget also ensures strong territorial investment, with €287 million dedicated to municipal projects, public space management and sustainability initiatives.
The Barcelona metropolitan budget priorities demonstrate a clear commitment to addressing the region’s most pressing challenges while maintaining service quality despite fiscal constraints. This comprehensive financial plan sets the stage for transformative developments across housing, transport and environmental sectors throughout 2026.
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