Barcelona sets record €3.8bn budget for 2025, prioritizing housing, security and transport

The Barcelona City Council approved its budget proposal for 2025 on Thursday, setting a record €3.8 billion in spending.  

This represents an increase of 1.2% compared to the previous year, adding €47 million to reach the highest budget in the city's history.  

Since 2019, the city's budget has grown by 45% and now represents almost 3.4% of Barcelona's GDP.  

Economy councilor Jordi Valls announced that the 2025 budget will prioritize housing, security and transport.

A record €256 million will be invested in transport, focusing on connecting the tram network through the Diagonal Avenue, maintaining subsidies for public transport, and improving the Bicing bike-sharing system.

To improve access to housing, the City Council will invest more than €200 million in the expansion and rehabilitation of social housing, including the purchase and restoration of properties.  

A record €900 million will be allocated to fighting inequalities and supporting social, educational and cultural policies, while €363 million will be spent on neighbourhood policies.  

Security, another priority area, will receive almost €422 million. 

Meanwhile, climate actions - including school climatization, green space management and water management - will exceed €100 million. 

However, the budget still requires approval from the chamber. The Socialist-led government is in talks with the left-wing Comuns and pro-independence Esquerra to secure their support.