Andalucía faces economic convergence and resource extraction challenges

Andalucía has experienced complex economic shifts regarding regional convergence within Spain. Following Spain's entry into the European Union, EU regional policies and FEOGA aid helped increase capital investment and productivity in underdeveloped regions. While there was intense convergence in GDP per capita between 1980 and 1986, inequality rose again until 1993. A subsequent period of convergence, driven by tourism, exports, and a dynamic real estate sector, lasted until the 2008 housing bubble burst.

Critically, some perspectives argue that Andalucía has been relegated to a “sacrifice zone” within the Spanish and European economic systems. This role involves acting as a supplier of raw materials and human resources to facilitate development in other regions. This pattern includes extractive industries, intensive agriculture for export, and tourism specialization that can degrade local heritage and housing accessibility. Additionally, the region hosts various high-impact activities, such as the national radioactive waste storage in El Cabril, military bases, and expanding biogas and photovoltaic installations.