Spain plans to turn highways into toll roads in 2024
Madrid pledge in exchange for EU funds comes as Catalonia prepares to reduce number of tolls
Society
Current affairs and social issues
Unlike other restrictions, remote work will last until the pandemic ends — and even longer
Official survey says 11% of people in Spain currently work from home, up from 4% in pre-Covid times
Up to 10% drop in birth rate predicted due to pandemic
Instead of a baby boom, number of newborns nine months on from first lockdown is down 17.7%
Pandemic used to undermine freedom of press in Catalonia, says journalists’ guild
Reduction of in-person interviews and press conferences seen as worrying trend by Col·legi de Periodistes
Government suggests curfew will be lifted on May 9
Spokesperson Meritxell Budó says 'no additional measures' will be needed after state of alarm if pandemic continues like now
Barcelona rally against large renewable energy plants attracts dozens
Demonstrators complain 16/2019 decree does not protect natural landscapes or cultural heritage
Eviction of community center under threat suspended after new offer from local council
Landlords consider €9.7m bid which would make building public and stop construction of luxury flats
Youth unemployment rate in Catalonia is double EU average
The level increased in the majority of regions in 2020 as a result of the pandemic
New solar-panelled pavement to be trialed in Barcelona
Plaça de les Glòries square will be paved with a material which generates electricity from the sun’s energy
Raval's beloved Gimnàs Social Sant Pau community center faces eviction on April 30
Low-budget Barcelona gym provides vulnerable with a place to eat and shower but owner wants to build luxury apartments
Pregnant women with Covid-19 are 50% more likely to suffer complications
Barcelona's Vall d'Hebron Hospital participates in 18-country INTERCOVID study
New all-time high of Catalans living abroad
Unprecedented drop in numbers residing in South America as western Pyrenees sees greatest percentage of emigrants
'We're doing very badly': Catalonia struggles to generate renewable energy
Professor Sergi Saladié points finger at lack of initiative and interest from authorities and businesses
A wind farm off the Costa Brava? Locals aren’t too sure
Companies claim Parc Tramuntana could generate 90% of Girona’s energy as Catalonia struggles to meet renewables target
Catalonia celebrates Sant Jordi - live updates
Festival of books and roses, held amid Covid safety measures, offers glimpse of pre-pandemic joy
Latest updates and breaking news on society, social issues, and current affairs from Barcelona and Catalonia. Keep up to date on protests, the housing crisis, the ongoing drought, the climate crisis and environmental management, urban development and management, the language immersion system, and much more here.