Catalonia economy projected to grow 2.6% in 2026

The Catalan government's Department of Economy and Finance projects that the region's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) will grow by 2.6% in 2026. This forecast, released on October 19, 2026, exceeds the 2.3% growth predicted in the spring. The region has maintained economic growth rates higher than the eurozone average for over five years.

Economic growth for 2026 is being driven by internal demand and private consumption, supported by job creation and demographic expansion. However, the government noted that investment growth is expected to decelerate to 3.4% due to international instability. For 2027, a more moderate GDP increase of 2.1% is anticipated.

While the impact of the energy crisis stemming from the Middle East conflict has been limited so far, several risks remain. These include rising inflation, higher interest rates leading to restrictive financing conditions, eurozone economic weakness, geopolitical tensions, trade competition with China, and financial instability related to artificial intelligence investments.