Youth policies in Catalonia are taking a step forward with the initiation of the process to delegate competencies in youth matters to local entities. This measure aims to consolidate the country's youth policies, recognizing the central role of municipalities and supramunicipal entities and providing them with a stable framework of competencies and resources. This delegation represents the most significant step since the 2010 Youth Policies Law to consolidate local youth policies.
This initiative stems from the reality that municipalities, county councils, and other supramunicipal entities already promote services, projects, and professional teams to respond to the needs of young people, even though they have not previously had a specific framework for delegated competencies. With this step, the work done is recognized, and the role of local entities in the deployment of youth policies in Catalonia is consolidated.
The new model incorporates an additional 3.1 million euros, a 39% increase that raises the total funding to 11.7 million euros. It is expected that 88% of municipalities will see their contribution increased, and 45% of county councils will be able to increase their contribution by more than 50,000 euros. Furthermore, 137 new municipalities will join the funding system, and the presence of shared youth technicians will be reinforced with 15 new positions, particularly in rural areas.
The change also aims to provide greater stability and reduce administrative burden. The delegation will have a duration of 10 years, with a review at 5 years, allowing for better planning. It will not require an application or financial justification, as it is a funding system via transfer linked to the exercise of delegated competencies, with annual monitoring indicators.
Additionally, progress is being made towards a specific funding system for youth policies, based on the Youth Policies Law and not subject to the basic social services areas model. This system will have a direct relationship with municipalities of 5,000 inhabitants or more and with all supramunicipal local entities, recognizing the functions already carried out in the territories, especially in youth participation and information.
To address potential questions and doubts, information sessions will be held in different regions in the coming weeks. The first will take place on Monday, October 5, 2026, from 10 am to 12 pm, in the Assembly Hall of the Directorate General of Youth (Carrer d’Aragó, 244) in Barcelona, for technical and political youth referents from municipalities and counties of Barcelona – Metropolitan Area.
