Barcelona is the best city in Europe in promoting and attracting investment

The European Cities and Regions of the Future 2022-2023 report placed Barcelona at the top of the Foreign Direct Investment Strategy ranking, ahead of Milan, Berlin and London. A panel of experts in the field of investment promotion evaluated indicators from 75 major European cities.

The ranking recognises the Barcelona International Welcome Desk as one of the city’s outstanding assets and a pioneering service in Spain when it comes to attracting international talent. It helps investors, researchers and other foreign talent arrive and settle in Barcelona, and also offers information, guidance and the opportunity to complete several useful official procedures upon arrival in the city.

Sustainability, economic recovery and attracting large multinational companies

Another reason for Barcelona’s top place in the ranking is its “Barcelona Green Deal” strategy. This plan sets out economic promotion priorities for the next decade in line with the UN’s 2030 Agenda. It deploys 66 measures to make Barcelona one of the best cities in the world in attracting talent and as a place for doing business.

According to the report, this plan based on sustainability, equity and competitiveness brings the city closer to the circular economy. “This includes attracting sustainable food and transport companies, accelerating the city’s energy transition and boosting the blue economy, which promotes the sustainability of ocean resources”.

The report also highlights the “Barcelona Never Stops” campaign, the municipal government’s response to the effects of the pandemic. The programme has allocated 87 million euros to implementing 82 measures aimed at promoting and reactivating the city, including grants, guidance, training and direct aid to boost the economy and job creation.

fDi Magazine notes that business units and regional headquarters of companies such as Pepsi, Microsoft, Decathlon and TDCX have moved to the city in the last year and a half, showing these multinational companies’ clear commitment to the Catalan capital thanks to its entrepreneurial and innovation ecosystem.