Third Largest Public Budget in Catalonia

The Metropolitan Council of the Metropolitan Area of Barcelona (AMB) gave initial approval on Tuesday 10 November 2026 to the 2027 General Budget, totalling €2,988.08 million. This represents a 3.18% rise compared to the previous year and confirms the AMB as the third largest public budget in Catalonia, behind only the Generalitat de Catalunya and Barcelona City Council. The budget includes the AMB’s own accounts, those of its autonomous bodies, commercial companies, and consortia. Excluding associated entities, the core budget stands at €1,427.6 million, according to an official AMB statement.

Political Approval and Leadership Remarks

The budget passed with support from PSC-CP, Junts per Catalunya, En Comú Podem, ERC, and Vivim Montcada i Reixac. The PP, Compromís, Acord per Torrelles, and Junts per Tiana abstained, while Vox voted against. Antonio Balmón, executive vice president of the AMB, described the budget as "realistic, technically and politically endorsed" and affirmed that the current mandate would conclude having met its objectives. He stressed that the AMB holds the authority to finance metropolitan services and must rely on its own resources rather than expect external solutions.

"We would be mistaken if we waited for others to solve our problems,"

Housing, Transport and Environment Funding

For housing, the AMB will invest €88.8 million through IMPSOL for affordable home construction and €76 million via the mixed company Habitatge Metròpolis Barcelona for protected rental housing. The Metropolitan Housing Consortium will manage €4.6 million for energy efficiency and accessibility upgrades. In transport, €214.7 million is allocated to the Metropolitan Transport Authority (ATM), with €224.8 million for indirect public transport management. An additional €41.2 million will support mobility for people with reduced mobility and social tariff schemes.

Services and Infrastructure Investment

Waste management and prevention will receive €232.1 million, funding the operation of four ecoparks, composting plants, and upgrades at Ecoparc 2 and Viladecans. Water cycle policies are allocated €142.3 million. Other key allocations include:

  • €187 million for public spaces and facilities under the Strategic Subsidy and Investment Plan
  • €30.3 million for green infrastructure and beach maintenance
  • €27.6 million for urbanisation around Tres Xemeneies
  • €34.2 million for school meal aid and travel expenses
  • €7.5 million for social development and employment
  • €7 million for climate action
  • €5.6 million to finalise the Metropolitan Urban Planning Master Plan (PDUM)
  • €2.34 million for international action

Sources: Nació Digital, Marta Puig i Vidal, La Vanguardia.