On Monday, May 19, the Universitat de València's Cátedra de Empresa y Humanismo (Spanish Institute of Technology and Finance) and Caixa Popular held a conference entitled "Current Outlook and Pending Challenges for the Spanish Economy" at the financial institution's headquarters in the Paterna Technology Park.
The session was given by Professor José E. Boscà Marés, Professor of Economic Analysis at the University of Valencia. Before a diverse audience, Boscà He analyzed Spain's current macroeconomic situation, highlighting GDP growth, improved employment rates, the slowdown in unemployment, and the progressive reduction in the deficit as positive signs of the economic cycle.
The professor also addressed the short-term outlook, emphasizing that 2025 is shaping up to be a year of continued recovery thanks to increased competitiveness, controlled inflation, and lower interest rates.
However, he also warned of the factors that could cause a slowdown in 2026, Such as uncertainty surrounding possible international protectionist measures (e.g., the tariffs proposed by Trump), the stagnation of the eurozone economy, or the lack of pending structural reforms in the labor market and public administration. Furthermore, the rapid transition from employment to unemployment, high savings rates that limit private consumption capacity, and the current housing crisis also have an impact.
In the long term, it showed how GDP per capita is not growing, the country's productivity is chronically low, and the country's institutional quality is declining. Regarding public spending, it showed us that we have a structure similar to the rest of the European Union, but efficiency is not optimal.
The event provided a space for calm and rigorous reflection on the economic challenges facing Spain, and highlighted the importance of combining macroeconomic stability with a sustainable reform agenda to consolidate medium- and long-term growth.
At Cátedra de Empresa y Humanismo, we appreciate the collaboration of Caixa Popular and the participation of Professor Boscà, and we will continue working to promote economic knowledge for a more informed, fair, and responsible society.
