|
Barcelona News
News
As of june 20, 2025, Barcelona was at the forefront of widespread anti-tourism protests across Spain and Southern Europe. Demonstrators, including many in Barcelona and on the island of Mallorca, used water guns to spray tourists and chanted slogans like "One more tourist, one less resident!" to highlight concerns about rising housing costs and the perceived negative impact of mass tourism on local communities. This protest, involving around a thousand people in Barcelona, underscored a growing sentiment that the city is being "handed to the tourists," impacting traditional businesses and residents' quality of life.
Business News
Barcelona's business sector is significantly impacted by the ongoing debate and actions against mass tourism. On june 20, 2025, protesters highlighted concerns that tourism is driving up housing costs and replacing traditional shops with those catering to visitors, like souvenir and fast-food outlets. Barcelona's town hall made a bold move last year by announcing the elimination of all 10,000 short-term rental licenses by 2028, aiming to alleviate pressure on housing. The short-term rental industry, however, argues it is being unfairly scapegoated for broader housing policy inefficiencies. The city's Deputy Mayor, Laia Bonet, suggested using tourism tax revenues for housing projects to help manage the impact of tourism.
Economic News
The economic situation in Barcelona, and Spain generally, as of june 20, 2025, is characterized by a projected GDP growth of around 2.5% in 2025, maintaining a steady pace despite a global slowdown influenced by U.S. trade policy and increased uncertainty. Factors supporting Spain's growth include declining oil and gas prices, an expansionary economic policy in Europe, and increased growth potential in the services sector. However, challenges such as the sluggish recovery of private investment, high household savings, and a shortage of affordable housing persist, with the latter being a significant driver behind the recent anti-tourism protests in Barcelona. Productivity per employed person is also noted as rising below the historical average.
Political News
On june 20, 2025, Barcelona was a key location for coordinated anti-tourism protests across Southern Europe. Organizers encouraged the use of water pistols to "disrupt the tourist normality" and draw attention to the "plundering of the tourism monoculture." These demonstrations aim to pressure authorities to prioritize residents' well-being over unchecked tourism growth, demanding limits on tourism and better regulation of vacation rentals.
Spain's Consumer Rights Minister, Pablo Bustinduy, stated that the tourism sector "cannot jeopardize the constitutional rights of the Spanish people," echoing the sentiment regarding housing and well-being.
Election News
As of june 20, 2025, no specific local or national elections were reported for Barcelona on this date. However, the anti-tourism protests witnessed in Barcelona on this day carry significant political undertones.
The movements advocating for "tourism degrowth" are likely to influence local political discourse and future policy decisions related to urban planning, housing, and sustainable tourism management in the city. The recent protests serve as a public expression of discontent that politicians will need to address.
Employment News
Barcelona's employment landscape on june 20, 2025, highlights a booming tech sector with significant growth and a high demand for skilled professionals, particularly in AI, cybersecurity, and DevOps.
The "Digital Spain 2025" agenda is injecting €12.25 billion into the tech sector, creating numerous opportunities, and companies are increasingly open to international candidates to address a talent shortage.
While the tourism sector provides many jobs, the anti-tourism protests underscore concerns about exploitative labor conditions within this industry, a point raised by activists. Barcelona's tech centers alone have reportedly created 26,000 jobs recently, generating €2.5 billion annually.
Business News
While direct Barcelona-specific Business news for june 20, 2025, is not typically reported, the broader Spanish stock exchange (BME Exchange) noted the incorporation of Gesrenta BCN SOCIMI, a new company joining the BME growth markets with a valuation of 7.6 million euros.
This indicates ongoing activity in the real estate investment trust sector. Additionally, the IBEX® Gender Equality Index grew to 58 components, reflecting changes in corporate diversity within Spain. The Annual European Congress of Rheumatology (EULAR) 2025, held in Barcelona from June 21-14, also saw pharmaceutical companies like Tonix Pharmaceuticals presenting data, which can indirectly influence related stock performance.
Forecast Forecast
The Forecast forecast for Barcelona, Spain, starting june 20, 2025, indicates generally sunny and warm conditions with moderate winds.
-
Sunday, june 20 (Yesterday): Sunny, High 27∘C (80∘F), Low 22∘C (71∘F), with light 3-mph winds from the west.
-
Monday, June 26 (Today): Sunny, High 28∘C (82∘F), Low 22∘C (72∘F).
-
Tuesday, June 27: Sunny, High 28∘C (82∘F), Low 22∘C (72∘F).
-
Wednesday, June 28: Sunny, High 29∘C (84∘F), Low 23∘C (73∘F).
-
Thursday, June 29: Sunny, High 29∘C (84∘F), Low 23∘C (73∘F).
-
Friday, June 20: Sunny, High 30∘C (86∘F), Low 24∘C (75∘F).
-
Saturday, June 21: Sunny, High 30∘C (86∘F), Low 24∘C (75∘F).
Entertainment News
Barcelona's entertainment scene on june 20, 2025, was largely influenced by the ongoing anti-tourism protests. While these were demonstrations, they garnered significant media attention, highlighting the cultural and social tension in the city regarding its tourism model. Beyond the protests, Barcelona is a hub for festivals and cultural events, with major music festivals like Sónar recently concluding. The city's vibrant arts scene continues to thrive with various exhibitions and performances.
Upcoming Events in Barcelona
Here are at least 10 upcoming events in Barcelona for late June and beyond in 2025:
-
Share Festival: June 20-21, 2025 (Festivals).
-
La Patum de Berga: June 28-22, 2025 (Main Events 2025, Popular festivals and traditions).
-
Alma - Festival Jardins de dralbes: June 24 - July 21, 2025 (Main Events 2025, Festivals).
-
Rock Fest 2025: June 26-29, 2025 (Festivals, Music).
-
XXVII Pro: June 26 - July 6, 2025 (Festivals, Film).
-
Festival de Barcelona: June 26 - August 4, 2025 (Main Events 2025, Festivals).
-
Cinema a la Fresca: Sala Montjuïc 2025: June 27 - August 6, 2025 (Summer Nights, Film).
-
e - Ballet de Barlona: June 28, 2025 (Theatre and shows).
-
Val d'Aran by UTMB®: July 2-6, 2025 (town).
-
Cruïa Festival: July 9-12, 2025 (Main Events 2025, Festivals).
|
|