In 2025, the Catalonian government decided to breathe new life into small towns and villages by launching an ambitious program to support areas that have faced population decline and crumbling infrastructure in recent decades. The new phase of development, called Pla de Barris i Viles 2025-2029, continues the successful initiative from the early 2000s, when a similar project helped hundreds of localities revamp their image and improve living conditions.
This time, the authorities have allocated a record €1.6 billion, with €1 billion coming from the autonomous region’s budget and the remainder provided by municipalities. Funding is expected to support about 120 projects aimed at comprehensive urban renewal, the introduction of eco-friendly solutions, and the development of local communities. The first selection phase has already concluded, attracting 83 towns from 30 districts across Catalonia.
Betting on Small Towns: Combating Population Decline
Special attention is being paid to small municipalities where demographic decline is particularly acute. To participate, towns must meet several criteria: residents’ incomes must be below the Catalan average, and population numbers should fall within an optimal range for effective project implementation. For many rural areas, this is not just a chance to upgrade infrastructure but also to preserve the community itself.
In Batea, with a population of fewer than two thousand people, local authorities have proposed an ambitious project that touches nearly every aspect of life: from restoring the historic center to creating climate shelters in schools and renovating housing for the elderly. Here, such initiatives are viewed not just as investments but as a matter of survival for small communities.
In Arbeca, home to just over two thousand residents, officials have developed a plan featuring 37 initiatives: building a state-of-the-art library, upgrading street lighting, creating a youth center, and much more. The main goal is to make the town attractive for new generations and to ensure sustainable development for decades ahead.
New approaches to development: Focus on community and the environment
The modern version of the program stands out not just for its scale, but also for its approach. Now, the focus is not only on renovating buildings and streets, but also on supporting community initiatives, involving residents in decision-making, and introducing environmental standards. Experts note that active citizen participation and process transparency are becoming key factors for success.
A key challenge remains reducing territorial inequality and strengthening ties between local authorities and residents. While earlier projects focused mainly on physical renewal, they now include social and environmental aspects, allowing small towns to tackle problems in a holistic way.
The future of rural Spain: a chance for renewal
The plan by Barri and Villas is launching at a time when survival is a critical concern for many rural municipalities. The success of the program’s first participants demonstrates that even small towns can become models of sustainable development if given the necessary resources and support. In the coming years, Catalonia hopes not only to modernize its infrastructure, but also to create opportunities to bring young people back, generate new jobs, and strengthen local communities.
Thus, this new program is not just another round of investment in buildings and roads—it is a tool for shaping a fair and modern future for all of Catalonia.
