In Barcelona, the younger generation faces new challenges that directly impact the city’s economy and cultural identity. The latest municipal survey data show that for residents aged 15 to 34, housing remains the main concern, while educational attainment often does not match real employment opportunities. These trends reflect not only internal changes in the capital of Catalonia, but also broader patterns seen in Spain’s major cities.
Education and employment
According to the survey results, nearly half of young people are not working in their field of study, despite having a high level of education. Over the past five years, the share of those employed outside their profession has risen from 27% to 45%. Around 30% of respondents believe their qualifications exceed the requirements of their current job. Although the number of permanent employment contracts has increased to nearly 70%, rising incomes are accompanied by higher expenses, preventing young people from feeling financially secure. El Pais notes that most young workers have changed jobs once or twice in the past two years, but in most cases, these positions were regular, contracted employment.
Information environment
The issue of trust in information has become especially acute: 80% of respondents admit encountering disinformation. Social media remains the main source of news for most people, but online publications and magazines are popular among those over 30. Despite being aware of the problem, only 46% consider disinformation a serious threat to themselves and to democracy. This affects the level of trust in state institutions and encourages a more critical approach to politics. Just over half of young people show interest in political issues, and 42% identify themselves with left-leaning views. Meanwhile, a third of respondents find it difficult to define their political position.
Language situation
The use of Catalan among young people continues to decline. Only 17% of respondents speak Catalan in daily life, while 30% do not use it at all. Almost all participants regularly or occasionally communicate in Spanish, which dominates in personal and family settings, as well as in interactions with strangers. At the same time, Catalan is more common in educational and professional environments, but its position remains weaker compared to Spanish. According to city authorities, most young people understand and can speak Catalan, yet do not feel the need to use it daily. This causes concern and calls for new measures to support the language.
Housing and living conditions
Housing remains the most pressing issue for young residents of Barcelona. An increasing number of people aged 25 to 34 continue to live with their parents due to high rental prices and a lack of personal financial resources. Only 7% of respondents live alone, while 20% are forced to share an apartment with friends or roommates. More than half of those who rent collectively would prefer to live independently but cannot afford it. Over the past year, 30% of young people have faced difficulties paying rent. As reported by El Pais, housing has become the main source of stress and uncertainty for the 15–34 age group.
In recent years, similar trends among urban youth have been repeatedly observed in Spain. Rising rental costs, declining interest in regional languages, and a surplus of professionals on the labor market are common challenges for cities like Madrid, Valencia, and other major centers. Analysis by russpain.com indicates that these processes are deepening social inequalities and influencing internal migration flows. Authorities in different regions are seeking new ways to support young professionals and preserve cultural diversity, but rapid solutions have yet to be found.
