This text examines the current state of funding and modernization efforts in Catalonia, focusing on bureaucratic delays, the distribution of New Generation Funds, and the impact on regional projects. It notes that a modestly upgraded, less automated administrative system, alongside a ministerial order about 800 million New Generation Funds, has drawn attention from the Ministry of Economy and Finance in recent weeks. The critique resurfaced again this Friday, this time in a discussion with business leaders gathered by Fomento del Trabajo. Natàlia Mas, a council member, together with two other senior officials, analyzed how these funds are being allocated and highlighted several delays that threaten project timelines. One example mentioned is the pre-production facility for the Cerdanyola chip project.
The pressing issue identified is Ministerial Decree 55, published in the State Official Bulletin, which requires administrations to assess potential conflicts of interest at the start of each year before awarding auctions. Because of an administrative hurdle, many Generalitat procedures have stalled, according to Alex Cubells, a representative of European funds and state aid from the Ministry of Economy and Finance. He warned that this administrative bottleneck will become more noticeable in the coming months, potentially affecting project delivery and speed.
Beyond this pacing problem, officials at the Generalitat expressed concern about the way projections are managed. Miquel Puig, secretary of economic affairs and European funds at the same department, criticized what he called the overreach of projects deemed necessary. He pointed to a lack of tight oversight over fund distribution, noting that current plans do not align perfectly with PERTE guidelines for Strategic Projects for Recovery and Economic Transformation.
During discussions, a project associated with the Blood and Tissue Bank and another linked to neuroscience were mentioned alongside the Cerdanyola chip pre-production facility. The discussion also touched on a proposal presented by the president, Pere Aragonès, at the Cercle d’Economia meeting, which involved an investment of 300 million euros and the creation of about 200 jobs.
Chip factory in Cerdanyola
Puig emphasized that despite multiple appeals for New Generation funds, the project did not fit the immediate priorities of the current election cycle. He suggested that pursuing this project could strain relations with the national government and hinder future funding opportunities. He described it as a pivotal project that would position Catalonia as a key European production hub for small chips used in design testing, while noting that the larger-scale factories were not part of this plan.
People involved in the project clarified that the facility remains viable and the process is ongoing. They acknowledged that public funding will be necessary and that progress might be slow, but they remained confident about eventual support.
Puig also addressed the government’s plan to allocate 12.25 billion euros through the European Union PERTE program for chips. At present, only calls for a value of 60 million euros have been issued, with some officials indicating that the figure could rise to around 100 million. He acknowledged a general concern about rapid resource allocation and the need to match available funds with quickly advancing projects.
Ultimately, the speakers believed that Next Generation funds could accelerate Catalonia’s transformation toward a more productive and resilient economy. The secretary concluded with optimism about the potential benefits, while also recognizing the challenges in assembling all the pieces necessary for Catalonia to emerge stronger and more competitive in the European context.