Catalan business groups warn of energy taxes and housing crisis

Business organizations in Catalonia are highlighting two major structural challenges threatening the competitiveness of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Empresaris de Catalunya has called for an urgent reduction in the Special Tax on Hydrocarbons. The organization argues that rising energy costs are suffocating SMEs, noting that taxes account for approximately 45% of energy costs. President Josep Bou stated that small businesses lack the capacity to pass these increased costs on to the market, which impacts sectors such as transport and industry while contributing to inflation.

Simultaneously, Foment PIME has warned that the regional housing emergency is creating significant barriers to recruitment and talent retention. According to the PIME 360 Catalunya report, the lack of affordable housing prevents SMEs from attracting qualified workers, as these companies cannot offer the high salaries that large multinationals use to offset housing costs. The report notes a significant supply gap, with only 61,000 new homes built against a demand for over 200,000 between 2021 and 2025, contributing to a 10.5% year-on-year increase in housing prices.