The autonomous government of Catalonia has presented the outline of its budget for next year, with a key element being an increase in social spending to over €4.2 billion. This amount represents a 28 percent increase compared to 2023. Meanwhile, €143.4 million has been allocated for international aid and cooperation with the EU. Catalan social organizations criticize the proposal, pointing out that funds to combat homelessness are clearly insufficient and calling for the creation of comprehensive legal frameworks.

Record increase in social spending

Generalitat plans to allocate over €4.2 billion to social policy, representing a 28 percent increase compared to 2023. These funds are to cover support for families, excluded individuals, and housing programs.

Criticism from non-governmental organizations

Catalan non-governmental organizations, referred to as the third sector, have deemed the allocated funds "insufficient." They estimate that an effective and immediate fight against homelessness would require at least €100 million.

Funds for international cooperation

The budget also includes €143.4 million planned for cooperation with the European Union and international aid. Part of these funds is to be allocated to support for Palestine.

Call for legal frameworks

Social organizations are calling not only for greater funding but also for the creation of comprehensive legislation that would systemically regulate the issue of combating homelessness in Catalonia.

The autonomous government of Catalonia, Generalitat, has presented its budgetary outline for 2026, in which a key priority is a significant increase in funding for social policy. The planned amount is over €4.2 billion, representing a 28 percent increase compared to 2023. These funds are to be allocated to a wide range of programs, including family support, combating exclusion, and social housing. The budget proposal has, however, faced sharp criticism from non-governmental organizations, referred to as the third sector. Already on March 3, these groups deemed the allocations "insufficient," particularly in the context of fighting homelessness. According to their estimates, an effective and immediate response to this problem would require investment of around €100 million. The organizations emphasize that, in addition to increased funding, the creation of coherent legal frameworks that comprehensively regulate this issue is essential. Catalonia, as one of Spain's 17 autonomous communities, has extensive powers in the areas of social policy, health, and education, stemming from its statute of autonomy. Its relations with the central government in Madrid are historically tense and often revolve around financial issues and the scope of self-governance. The second significant element of the proposal is external activity spending. According to information from March 3, €143.4 million has been planned for cooperation with the European Union and international aid. Part of this aid is to be directed to Palestine, which has been highlighted in some media. 4,2 mld € — Planned social spending by Generalitat in 2026 „El dineral, en millones, que gastará Cataluña en Palestina y ayuda al exterior en los nuevos presupuestos” (The millions that Catalonia will spend on Palestine and external aid in the new budget) — La Razón The debate over budgetary priorities reflects a broader dispute about the region's role on the international stage and the balance between internal needs and solidarity commitments.

Perspektywy mediów: Media such as EL PAÍS and La Vanguardia focus on the social dimension of the budget, reporting the demands of non-governmental organizations. Conservative media, such as La Razón, emphasize the high cost of foreign aid, suggesting the regional government has misplaced priorities.