Mataró Named 2026 Spanish Capital of Social Economy as Xunta Launches Baiona's Social Economy Plan

On February 9, 2026, Mataró was designated as the Spanish capital of the Social Economy for the year, succeeding Murcia in this prominent role. The Spanish Business Confederation of Social Economy (CEPES) spearheaded this initiative to promote a fairer, more inclusive, and sustainable economic model across Spain. The year-long program will include conferences, debates, and training sessions under the theme “Reducing inequalities, creating future,” aiming to bolster social cohesion and economic transformation.

The launch event featured key figures such as Yolanda Díaz, Spain's Minister of Labor, who emphasized the vital role of the Social Economy in fostering social cohesion both nationally and in Europe. Juan Antonio Pedreño, president of CEPES, highlighted the sector’s importance in job creation and economic development, while Enrico Letta, former Italian Prime Minister, underscored the European challenge of balancing competitiveness with social cohesion. A notable milestone at the event was the introduction of the Youth Network for Social Economy, designed to empower young people to engage actively in economic transformation and address generational challenges.

In parallel, the Xunta de Galicia has initiated a pilot project in Baiona aimed at strengthening the social economy at the local level. A workshop attended by local commerce representatives and associations was held to design a tailored social economy plan for the municipality. Marta Mariño, director of Self-Employment and Social Economy, took part in the event, reinforcing the Xunta’s commitment to support local entities in fostering entrepreneurship strategies that fit their specific contexts.

Together, these initiatives reflect a nationwide push across different regions of Spain to invigorate the social economy sector. With Mataró set as the national beacon for 2026 and Baiona pioneering localized strategies, Spain continues to promote a balanced economic model focused on sustainability, inclusion, and youth empowerment.