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The European Commission recognises Catalonia’s “budget cuts of unprecedented proportions” to reduce the deficit

June 9, 2011 05:41 PM | CNA / Albert Segura / Gaspar Pericay Coll

The European Commission also recognised "a different effort" to the rest of Spain’s Autonomous Communities. Brussels said so when on Tuesday it asked Spain “to strictly control” the public “deficit and debt of regional governments”, the day after Moody’s rating agency warned about Catalonia’s expected deficit for 2011. The Spanish Government took note from this particular recommendation but not the other made by Brussels, which included increasing energy taxes and VAT. The Catalan Government criticised Moody’s for “creating alarm” with assessments that do not take into account the whole situation. In addition, it denounced how the Spanish Government has reduced its own deficit by transferring it to the Autonomous Communities.

European Council President Van Rompuy meets with the Catalan President Artur Mas

June 7, 2011 12:36 AM | CNA / Albert Segura / Gaspar Pericay Coll

The President of the Catalan Government detailed his plan to Herman Van Rompuy to balance the Catalan budget and reduce the public deficit. Artur Mas stressed the importance of the Mediterranean Railway Corridor for the European economy and he also outlined the benefits of an effective Union for the Mediterranean, in this moment in particular. Mas was joined by Josep Antoni Duran i Lleida, his electoral ally and leader of the Catalan Christian Democrats. They also met with Competition’s Commissioner, Joaquín Almunia.

Pfizer to invest more than 6 million euros in their Catalan plant, “a worldwide reference” in vaccines for animals

June 7, 2011 12:14 AM | CNA / Lourdes Casademont / Marc Navarro

The factory will increase its output of biological and pharmaceutical products by 40% over 3 years, taking work from closing factories in Europe and the United States. The Catalan plant is specialised in animal health and vaccines for livestock. It was bought in 2009 by the North American pharmaceutical giant, in a small town near Girona.

Star Alliance members commit to transform Barcelona Airport into a hub for its “strategic” importance

June 3, 2011 10:33 PM | CNA / Àlex Recolons / Gaspar Pericay Coll

Managers from the 27 airlines forming the world’s leading group meet in Barcelona for two days. They stressed Barcelona El Prat’s “strategic” position and its potential to become a hub linking Europe with the Middle East, Latin America and Southern Africa. Barcelona El Prat is Europe’s 4th airport regarding passenger origin and destination. The Catalan Government reasserted its commitment with Spanair.