Experts in economics and regional fiscal redistribution concluded at a conference in London that the Spanish Autonomous Communities’ expenditure like Catalonia’s is not to be blamed for the downgrading of Spanish debt. They stated that the Catalan Government can not only be “an expenditure agency” and that it needs total control over its revenues and budget.
The project, sponsored by three Catalan universities, focuses on the academic community but it can be used by everyone. The initiative is unprecedented in Europe, especially as regards self-learning systems.
Barcelona’s ‘La Virreina’ centre opened an art exhibition about the important changes that happened in 1979 at local and global level. Some of the moments captured in the display are revolutions in Iran and Nicaragua, Margaret Thatcher being sworn into office, the first democratic elections in Spain and Sony’s walkman era.
Barça are through to the UEFA Champions League quarter finals for the fourth year running –something only Manchester United have equalled over the period. Another historic achievement for Guardiola’s team.
A total of 40 bands will play in this summer music festival in Barcelona. The ‘Primavera Sound’, the ‘Sonar’, and ‘Cruïlla Barcelona’ are the most important indie, pop and electronic music festivals in the Catalan capital.
Chef Mercè Brunés is invited to China to present Catalan dishes on local media.
Dalí’s Foundation and the Spanish National Organisation of the Blind (ONCE) sign an agreement to allow visually-impaired visitors to enjoy the work of the Catalan artist. The Museum in Figueres, the Castle-House in Púbol and the House-Museum in Cadaqués will adapt their itineraries.
After the Spanish Governments announcement to reduce the price of local train tickets by 5% with the aim of fostering public transportation to save fuel, the Catalan Government, which manages the service in Catalonia, quantified in 26 million euros its loss in 1 year. Therefore, the Catalan Executive refused to pay for the measure. The Spanish Government will pay 6.75 million euros for 3 months of the measure.
On a magical evening, Barça outplayed Arsenal to make amends for the 2-1 defeat in the first leg. Leo Messi made it 1-0 before the break, and the Catalans clinched it in the second half through Xavi and Messi. Barça are back in the quarter finals of the Champions League.
Production will be transferred to the country of origin of the group, Italy. The Catalan motorbike brand Derbi was bought in 2001 by Piaggio. The decision affects more than 230 jobs.
Ryanair’s CEO, Michael O’Leary urges the Catalan Government to pay 11,5 million euros to the airline if it wants Girona’s airport to see all its Ryanair flights back from October onwards. O’Leary says that the Irish company cancelled 28% of its routes from Girona for the Spring/Summer season due to the “lack of commitment” from the new Catalan executive.
Catalan Juan Ferrando is the personal trainer of the Arsenal’s captain. Ferrando is training up some of the best football players in the English league. He left Catalonia looking for greater working experiences.
Barça play host to Arsenal in the Champions League last 16 (20:45 CET) aiming to overturn the 2-1 result at the Emirates. Barça are without Pique and Puyol, whilst for Arsenal Cesc and Van Persie are doubtful.
They deserved more, but Barça had to settle for a solitary Keita goal to overcome Zaragoza on a day that saw the presidential box filled with women. Guardiola’s side has an overnight lead of ten points on Real Madrid. And on Tuesday, it is Arsenal.
FC Barcelona host Zaragoza tonight (20.00 CET) in another important game after winning away to Mallorca and Valencia. The good news is that both Valdés and Jeffren are back in the side.