Catalan business organisations expressed significant concern last month. This followed the Basque Government's announcement of an agreement with the central executive regarding airport management. This development reignited debates about Catalonia's role in overseeing key infrastructure. It included Barcelona's El Prat Airport.
Basque Airport Deal Sparks Catalan Concern
The Basque Government, led by Lehendakari Imanol Pradales, stated the agreement would allow Euskadi to "begin participating in decision-making affecting Basque airports." It would also ensure "effective participation in strategic airport planning." This announcement caused considerable unease among Catalan business groups. These included Foment del Treball and the Barcelona Chamber of Commerce (Cambra de Comerç de Barcelona). They perceived it as a contrast to Catalonia's own efforts to gain greater control over its airports. The management of El Prat, one of Europe's busiest airports, remains a long-standing point of contention between the Catalan and central governments.
Just days before the Basque announcement, Josep Santacreu, President of the Cambra, and Maurici Lucena, President of Aena, engaged in a heated discussion. Their debate focused on Catalan involvement in El Prat's management. Mr Lucena firmly maintained that such participation was "impossible." The Ministry of Transport, under Óscar Puente, subsequently clarified the Basque agreement strictly adheres to existing legal frameworks. These frameworks reserve the management of airports of general interest exclusively for the State. Aena owns these airports and holds 51% public capital. Aena further asserted that the new bilateral body announced by the Basque Government "must be configured as a strictly consultative and non-decisory instrument." Aena also warned that the official Basque statement violated current legislation. This firm stance from Aena and the Ministry underscores the central government's control over major Spanish airports.
Catalonia's Push for Greater Control
Meanwhile, Catalonia has its own plans for enhanced airport management. In August 2024, the Socialist Party of Catalonia (PSC) and Republican Left of Catalonia (ERC) agreed to establish a new Catalan Airport Governing Council (CRAC). This formed part of Salvador Illa's investiture pact. They also agreed to create an airport authority. This authority would consolidate all Generalitat competencies in this area. These range from urban planning to environmental and connectivity matters. The Catalan Government (Generalitat) initiated the creation of this authority in January. Generalitat officials reiterate that the Basque pact introduces no legal changes. They confirm ongoing negotiations to advance towards a new model. This model would move beyond the current airport coordination committee. This committee includes administrations and the Barcelona Chamber of Commerce, but holds a "very testimonial" role. Mr Illa himself conveyed this progress to the Catalan Parliament last Tuesday. This ongoing political discussion highlights the Generalitat's ambition to secure more direct influence over critical transport hubs like El Prat. For Barcelona residents and businesses, improved airport management could mean better connectivity and economic opportunities.
New Photonic Chip Plant for Catalonia
Separately, Catalonia is making strides in attracting high-tech defence sector projects. This includes the development of a semiconductor production plant. Oesía, a Spanish company majority-owned by its president, Catalan Luis Furnells, is leading this initiative. The plant will produce photonic chips (PICs). These microprocessors are known for their superior energy efficiency and lighter weight. This aligns with the European Union's development objectives for advanced semiconductor technology. Conversations between Oesía and various Generalitat departments have advanced in recent weeks. These include Presidency, Economy, and Business. The company is currently exploring potential locations for the facility. This proposal directly links to Catalonia's cutting-edge infrastructure. An example is the Institute of Photonic Sciences (ICFO) located in Castelldefels. Castelldefels is a municipality within the Barcelona metropolitan area.
Oesía gained international attention as the sole Spanish company, among approximately twenty European firms, included on a Russian government blacklist. Russia blacklisted Oesía for supplying military technology, specifically drone components, to Ukraine. This project underscores Catalonia's growing role in European strategic technology. The development of such a plant could create highly skilled jobs and strengthen Catalonia's position as a hub for advanced manufacturing.
Both the future of airport management in Catalonia and the establishment of advanced technology manufacturing represent significant developments. These impact the region's economy and infrastructure. Further announcements are expected as negotiations continue and project plans solidify. These initiatives will shape Catalonia's economic and technological landscape for years to come.
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Originally published by La Vanguardia Catalonia. Read original article.
