With only four minutes to convince a general audience, El Bouhali focused on the environment surrounding these children, showing a humane and close perspective that goes beyond the diagnosis.

The award that highlights the humanity behind research

What did Fatima El Bouhali explain in her presentation?

The PhD student's monologue, titled "Beyond the label: when the problem is not being different, but not being understood," unpacks her thesis on how children with ADHD and autism live. Her research analyzes the impact of the family, educational, and social environment, as well as the difficulties and development of these children.

She also highlights the emotional state of the parents, especially the mothers, and how their well-being is linked to that of the children. Thus, she advocates observing the child as part of a whole, not in isolation.

Why does this perspective matter to the people of Tarragona?

In a society where the diagnosis often masks the person, El Bouhali’s work invites a better understanding of the real challenges faced by families with children with special needs. For the residents of Tarragona, this research gives a voice to those often left out of social and educational discourse.

It also makes visible the emotional burden carried by mothers, an often forgotten aspect, which could help rethink family support policies in the region.

The Present Your Thesis in 4 Minutes contest in Vic

How is this contest organized and what level do the participants have?

The contest, organized by the Department of Research and Universities, together with the Inter-university Council of Catalonia and the Catalan Foundation for Research and Innovation, brings together the best scientific monologists from the 12 Catalan universities.

The participants have only four minutes to explain their thesis clearly and appealingly to a general audience. Fatima El Bouhali reached the final after winning the contest "Do you want to know what I research?" organized by URV.

What other prizes and finalists have there been?

The second prize went to Albert Salas from Ramon Llull University, the third to Toni Capó from the University of Barcelona, and the audience award to Roger Casals from the University of Vic.

These awards showcase the talent and communicative ability of young Catalan researchers, who combine scientific rigor with the skill to reach everyone.

The importance of communicating science with empathy

Why is it key to convey research in a relatable language?

Communicating a thesis in only four minutes forces distilling knowledge and making it accessible without losing depth. Fatima El Bouhali has managed to bring complex topics like ADHD and autism to a broad audience and generate empathy.

This ability not only disseminates research but can change social perceptions and attitudes about diversity and diagnosis.

How can this type of initiative influence the local society?

In Tarragona and the rest of the province, these kinds of initiatives can foster a more honest and close debate about functional diversity and the need for family support. They also encourage valuing science as a tool for transforming reality.

It is advisable to strengthen outreach that connects research with everyday life and the reality of the territory.

Fatima El Bouhali has focused exactly where it was needed: on the person, not just the thesis. And that, in the region, is no small thing.

Source of the article: Rovira i Virgili University

It is an award that shows that local scientific talent plays a key role in the energy transition and advanced research. But what exactly does this woman from Tarragona do to make her candidacy stand out among hundreds?

The project that makes Carla Casadevall shine at URV

What does it mean to be a Ramón y Cajal researcher at URV?

The Ramón y Cajal title is one of the most prestigious for young scientists in Spain. Carla Casadevall leads a group at the Rovira i Virgili University where she promotes applied research in solar energy. It is not just theory: she works with bioinspired systems that reproduce photosynthesis to create sustainable fuels and chemical products.

How does her BIOPOLE project influence local research?

The BIOPOLE project bets on microreactors and artificial membranes that will improve efficiency and selectivity in chemical reactions, key for decarbonization. This innovative approach positions URV as a benchmark in the fight against climate change from the heart of Tarragona.

What is the Young Academy of Spain and why is Carla in it?

Why is this academy so exclusive?

The Young Academy of Spain was founded in 2019 to give voice and prominence to young scientists. Each year they select only 10 new members, with a maximum duration of five years. The selection is done by an international committee that evaluates the excellence and impact of each candidate’s work.

How does membership in the academy benefit researchers and society?

This platform facilitates the exchange of knowledge between institutions and allows young talent to influence scientific policies. For URV and Tarragona, it is a boost that strengthens their presence on the national and international scientific scene.

Local impact and future of Carla Casadevall’s research

How does this distinction affect the people of Tarragona?

Having a URV researcher in the Young Academy means that Tarragona plays an active role in research that can change the way energy and the environment are understood. Moreover, it can attract more resources and talent to the province, which is exactly what is needed.

What challenges and opportunities arise from now on?

Casadevall and her team have the opportunity to consolidate projects that could lead to technologies applicable to local and global industry. All this while training future generations of scientists who will keep the spirit of Tarragona innovation alive.

Carla Casadevall’s research is not only a personal triumph but a driving force for URV and its environment. This distinction confirms that there is talent with roots in Tarragona capable of playing at the scientific elite level.

Source of the article: Rovira i Virgili University

Imagine a table where not only the usual experts speak, but also political, social, and educational representatives with a voice and a desire to change things. This is exactly what will happen in Tortosa, where the focus will be on how school reception can be more inclusive and adapted to the specific reality of Terres de l'Ebre.

The participatory process that will change educational reception

How will the extraordinary debate unfold?

The first in-person session will take place on May 7, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. at the Territorial Services of Education and Vocational Training (C. de la Providència, 5-9, Tortosa). The second will be online, scheduled for June 4, 2026.

These two meetings will allow educational agents and social representatives to analyze and share practices and reception models, with a territorial and inclusive perspective. The goal: to generate concrete proposals to promote cohesion and equity in the local education system.

Who will participate and why is it relevant?

The call goes beyond the usual members of the Territorial School Council. Attendees include, among others, the delegate of the Generalitat Government in Terres de l'Ebre, presidents and education councilors from the four county councils, the director of the Territorial Services of Social Rights and Inclusion, the territorial youth coordinator, and staff from the Territorial Board of school principals.

This plurality of agents ensures that the debate incorporates diverse perspectives and that the proposed solutions take into account the real needs of the Ebre educational community.

Functions and importance of the Territorial School Council

What is the mission of the Territorial School Council?

Territorial school councils are consultative and participatory bodies representing various sectors of the educational community in the non-university field. Their role is to advise and contribute ideas to the general planning of education in the corresponding territory.

Additionally, they may include participation from representatives of entities and social agents, although without voting rights, to broaden the vision and enrich decisions.

Why is this body key for education in Terres de l'Ebre?

Considering the diversity and social and cultural specificities of Terres de l'Ebre, the Territorial School Council acts as a bridge that connects the territory's needs with educational policies. It is an essential tool to ensure that policies adapt to the local context and that the voice of the educational community carries real weight in decisions.

It is precisely this function that justifies the convocation of this extraordinary debate, as student reception is a decisive point for educational equity.

Impact and objectives of the debate on student reception

How will this debate affect students and families?

For students, especially those coming from diverse backgrounds or with special needs, an improved reception can make the difference between feeling integrated or left out. This process seeks to ensure that everyone has the same opportunities for success and participation.

Families will also benefit, as a more sensitive and adapted reception facilitates communication with schools and creates an atmosphere of greater trust and support.

What proposals are intended, and why?

The ultimate goal is to produce a set of proposals and guidelines to improve reception models and make the education system of Terres de l'Ebre more equitable and cohesive.

The territorial perspective is key: it is not about copying standard formulas, but about finding solutions that fit the reality and specific needs of the comarca.

The president of the Territorial School Council, Mario González Jorge, will lead this space to ensure that the debate is constructive and that decisions consider the voices of all those involved.

In the end, the question remains: what will student reception in Terres de l'Ebre be like after this debate? Only time and collective will will tell us.

The sessions are open to the active participation of the educational community, and anyone interested can learn more through the Territorial Services of Education and Vocational Training in Terres de l'Ebre.

On May 7 at 5:30 p.m., at Providència Street in Tortosa, a process will begin that could change how children in the comarca are welcomed into the education system.

Terres de l'Ebre is moving forward to leave no one behind. It is a step forward that must be closely followed.

The reality is that educational reception conditions the future of many students and is a challenge for the entire Ebre society.

Source of the article: Govern.cat

Its proprietary technology and the production of renewable energy to power the plant are the details that make it stand out. But what does this mean for Tarragona and its energy future?

The project and its importance for Tarragona

Why is Tarragona key in green hydrogen production?

Tarragona combines industry, infrastructure, and experience in energy, factors that attract investors and enable the development of projects of this kind. Green hydrogen can become a local energy and economic pillar.

How will the initial investment of 50 million be distributed?

The initial commitment focuses on a 25 MW electrolyzer that will produce 1,250 tons of green hydrogen annually. This phase involves an investment of 50 MEUR, which could grow to 150 MW with a future expansion of the project.

Technology and sustainability: the strengths of the plant

What makes the technology of this electrolyzer unique?

The project features proprietary technology, developed in Tarragona, promising greater efficiency and autonomy in hydrogen production. It is not an imported model but a local development.

How is the plant ensured to be fully sustainable?

The plant will produce its own renewable energy to power the electrolyzer. This avoids dependence on external sources and minimizes environmental impact, a step forward in the green value chain.

The protagonists and the future of the project

Who is behind this business alliance?

The alliance includes a Tarragonian company, an Israeli company, and renowned investors such as Bill Gates and the Roig family from Mercadona. This combination brings together experience, capital, and a global vision.

What are the expectations for 2032?

If everything goes according to plan, the plant will increase from 25 to 150 MW of capacity. This will multiply production capability and establish Tarragona as a benchmark in green hydrogen in southern Europe.

The project is not only a technological bet but also an opportunity for Tarragona to position itself in the energy transition with an initiative that combines innovation, capital, and environmental commitment.

Source of the article: Eloi Tost | ACN

But what does this growth mean for residents and local infrastructure? The volume of passengers and operations are not just numbers: they mark a change in the dynamics of Tarragona and its surroundings.

The impact of passenger growth at the airport

What does this 7.7% increase in May imply for residents?

The increase in passengers affects traffic, noise, and the demand for services around the airport. More than 200,000 people will pass through the terminal in one month, and this creates direct pressure on the neighborhood and transport connections.

How does the growth in aircraft operations translate?

During May, 2,542 movements were recorded, totaling 9,272 in five months, 10.9% more than the previous year. This means more planes taking off and landing, which requires rethinking operational management and airport safety.

Factors behind the increase in passengers and operations

What reasons explain this sustained growth?

Recovery after the pandemic, increased tourism, and the reactivation of international routes contribute to this rise. Additionally, Aena's commercial strategy and improvements in the terminal facilitate a more attractive experience.

How does this growth compare to other airports in the region?

Reus grows above the Catalan average, positioning itself as an emerging hub that exceeds its former secondary label. This dynamic generates significant expectations and logistical challenges.

Challenges and opportunities for the airport and the province

How will this growth affect local infrastructure?

The increasing volume demands investments in access, parking, and services. Without planning, chaos is imminent. The airport must prepare to absorb this demand without losing quality.

What opportunities does this increase open for Tarragona and its surroundings?

More passengers mean more tourism and economic activity. The challenge is for this benefit to reach everyone.

The data is clear: Reus Airport is not only growing but doing so at a pace that forces consideration of a new scenario. It is not just any increase, but a symptom of change.

Source of the article: Editorial Staff | ACN

If you have been to the supermarket lately, you have surely noticed that not everything is getting more expensive equally. Food and clothing, for example, have helped to slow the general price increase. And this, even though transport and hospitality continue to rise.

The evolution of prices in Tarragona and the Ebre

Which sectors have risen the most and why?

Transport is the champion of the rise: it went from 5.5% in April to 6.4% in May. This includes expenses such as fuel or public service, which directly affect residents’ wallets.

Hospitality has also seen a notable increase, rising from 4.2% to 5.1%. The reasons? Higher prices in restaurants, bars, and accommodation services. Insurance and financial products maintain a high inflation rate, with 5.3% showing no relief.

Which categories have helped contain inflation?

Food and alcoholic beverages continue their trend of moderation, helping to offset price increases in other sectors. Clothing and footwear have also contributed to keeping the overall rate in check, avoiding a more pronounced rise.

This combination keeps the CPI at 3.2%, a figure that may seem reassuring but still implies an increase that is felt in the wallet.

How does this inflation affect the inhabitants of Tarragona and the Ebre?

What does it mean for people’s daily consumption?

When transport prices rise, so do the costs of usual travel. This can lead people to reduce trips or look for less costly alternatives, affecting daily mobility.

More expensive hospitality makes going out to eat or spending a night away a luxury often foregone. In contrast, moderation in food and clothing slightly eases essential expenses.

Why is it important to keep the CPI stable at 3.2%?

Maintaining inflation at this level prevents the cost of living from heating up uncontrollably, but it does not eliminate the feeling of rising prices. For many families, every cent counts when they have to choose between spending on transport, food, or clothing.

Therefore, this stability is a relief, but not a reason to lower one’s guard in personal and public financial management.

Key Consumer Price Index data

What figures define May 2026?

What comparison can be made with other areas?

The 3.2% inflation in Tarragona and the Ebre is similar to the Catalan average, but the rises in transport and hospitality show stronger pressure in key sectors for daily life.

This makes the local reality have nuances that may go unnoticed if only the overall percentage is considered.

Source of the article: Editorial Staff | ACN

The Catalan supermarket chain is preparing a key change that could transform the local logistics sector and, by extension, the life of the town. But, what does this mean for Montblanc and its residents?

Construction and timeline: when and how will the first stones be laid?

When will construction begin and what does the project include?

Construction of Bon Preu’s logistics center will start between July and August 2026, right after the City Council approves the building permit. Earthworks will be the first visible steps.

The project also includes the completion of the urbanization of the Logis Montblanc industrial park, which will prepare the land for future companies and industrial activities.

When is the logistics center expected to become operational?

According to sources at Bon Preu, the logistics center could be operational in the first half of 2028. This implies a period of about a year and a half for construction and startup.

A long timeframe, but consistent with the scale of the investment and the complexity of the project.

Local impact: what does this new logistics center mean for Montblanc?

How will the logistics center affect the local economy and employment?

The establishment of the logistics center will represent an important economic boost for Montblanc. The creation of direct jobs at Bon Preu and indirect jobs through service companies is eagerly anticipated.

It could also attract more companies to the industrial park, generating a hub of industrial activity that did not exist before.

Why is business interest in the industrial park expected to grow in the fall?

The government expects interest from other companies to purchase lots in the Logis Montblanc industrial park to rise in the fall. Bon Preu’s opening will serve as a draw and build confidence for investors and industrialists.

The fact that the replotting has been approved and urbanization is progressing makes the industrial park a competitive and attractive space.

Administrative process and obstacles: what has delayed the construction?

What obstacles caused the one and a half year delay?

The main cause of the delay was the administrative processing of the replotting of the Logis Montblanc industrial park. This process is key to defining how the land is divided and managed.

Without this final approval, the building permit could not be granted, which delayed the entire planning process.

What steps remain before construction begins?

With approval expected by July 4, the City Council can grant Bon Preu the permit to start construction.

After that, earthworks and the final urbanization of the industrial park will take place, which will facilitate the arrival of other companies.

Montblanc is preparing to change its industrial profile. Bon Preu’s move is more than an investment: it is a sign that the region is seeking new economic directions, and this is not always welcomed by everyone.

Who will dare to follow in the footsteps of the Catalan giant?

Source of the article: Arnau Martínez | ACN

The new mandate comes with a clear promise to prioritize people and to secure an investment of more than 150 million euros in equipment and projects that will transform the university.

Josep Pallarès’ leadership at URV

What does this historic 72% support imply?

72% support is not just a solid number: it is the greatest confidence any rector has received at the URV so far. This means that the university community opts to maintain the course set in recent years, with management focused on closeness and innovation.

What are the main objectives of the new mandate?

Pallarès has made it clear that he wants to put people at the center. This translates into boosting dual education, promoting new learning models, and strengthening internationalization. All of this with the ambition to create global alliances that benefit students and research.

The mobilization of 150 million euros

How is this investment planned to be achieved?

Mobilizing more than 150 million euros for equipment is no joke. This amount targets major projects to improve infrastructure and equip the URV with tools to compete internationally.

What impact will this investment have in Tarragona?

The investment will boost talent attraction capacity and foster applied research, with a direct effect on the local economy and educational quality. Tarragona will position itself as a university benchmark in the Mediterranean.

The role of URV in the future of higher education

Why are dual education and innovative learning key?

Dual education combines theory and practice, a model that better adapts to labor market needs. The new rector supports this model to better prepare students for real professional challenges.

How will internationalization affect the student body?

Opening the university to the world means more opportunities for students, more cultural exchange, and the possibility of accessing international research and entrepreneurship networks.

An ambitious leadership that not only seeks numbers but aims to transform the URV into a reference space combining excellence and humanism.

The university community’s record support for Josep Pallarès indicates that the project convinces. Now it remains to see if expectations are met and how Tarragona will evolve with URV as an engine of change.

Article source: Eloi Tost | ACN

Coordinated by the Rovira i Virgili University, this project has become a local reference to promote scientific and technological vocations among young people, especially girls.

The project and its protagonists in Tarragona

Who is behind Inspira STEAM?

The program is led at the national level by the University of Deusto, but in Tarragona its driving force is Carme Olivé, a professor in the Department of Computer Engineering and Mathematics at URV. She coordinates a project that includes the voluntary participation of mentors who are experts in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics).

These professionals bring their experience to highlight the work of women scientists and break sexist barriers that still persist in these sectors.

The role of local schools and companies

During the closing day, schools such as Molí de Vent (Torredembarra), Mare de Déu del Carme (Tarragona), and ZER Benissanet-Miravet shared their experience with the project.

Additionally, companies from the region like Dow Chemical Ibérica, Essity, and Repsol, among others, were present as sponsors and contributed mentors, showing a business network committed to this change.

The final day and featured presentations

How was the project closing celebrated?

On June 9th, the closing day was a full recognition event. María Luz Guenaga, national coordinator, and Carme Olivé welcomed the attendees, which included representatives from companies and educational centers.

The presence of URV’s rector, Josep Pallarès, was the cherry on top of an event that also featured presentations from the participating centers, which enthusiastically explained how the project has impacted their students.

Which companies collaborated in this edition?

Besides the ones already mentioned, other Premium and Honor sponsors included companies such as Cargill, DuPont, Magnera, and Mars Snacking, as well as entities like the Tarragona Provincial Council and the City Council of Reus.

Mentors also joined from BASF, BOSTIK, CTAIMA, ICIQ, IRB Catsud, Inetum, IPHES, Technip, and Vencomatic Group, expanding the network of professionals involved in the region.

Impact and future of the Inspira STEAM project in the region

Why is it key for Tarragona?

The project not only fosters interest in scientific disciplines but also addresses a real problem: the low female presence in STEAM fields. This local initiative offers concrete and visible solutions, with an impact that has reached more than 1,600 students over seven years.

Moreover, the business and educational support demonstrates that Tarragona is betting on a more equal and innovative future.

How will Inspira STEAM continue evolving?

Although closing this edition, the Inspira STEAM project remains alive in the region. The goal is to maintain and expand participation, consolidate the network of mentors, and continue breaking stereotypes to make science a natural choice for everyone.

The commitment of URV and local companies is key to sustaining this momentum.

Meanwhile, Tarragona can already boast of having a program that goes beyond good intentions and places science within reach of the youngest, especially girls, who still have many questions to ask and answers to build.

Source of the article: Rovira i Virgili University

The project, led by the Chair of University and Knowledge Region at the Rovira i Virgili University (URV), is supported by the Tarragona Provincial Council and the Association for the Metropolitan Impulse of the Camp de Tarragona.

The metropolitan innovation system: what it is and who participates

A network to connect talents and resources

The Metropolitan Innovation System (SIM) does not aim to reinvent the wheel but to pool the resources already existing in the Camp de Tarragona. According to Jordi Duch, director of the chair, the SIM is a tool to strengthen collaboration between universities, companies, administrations, and research centers.

It is a “living and cooperative” network that drives the economic and social development of the territory through the intelligent use of knowledge and innovation already present.

Key agents and established trajectories

In Tarragona, the SIM brings together agents with a long and specialized trajectory in innovation. The challenge was to achieve coordination among all these efforts, so far dispersed, to make a qualitative leap in competitiveness.

Besides the URV, the Tarragona Provincial Council and the Metropolitan Impulse Association are essential pillars that ensure public and private involvement.

The online platform: engine for exchange and opportunity detection

A digital system to not miss opportunities

The SIM’s first major action is the creation of an online platform that will allow exchanging information among innovation agents. This digital tool will be key to detecting collaboration opportunities and analyzing the talent needs of the territory.

Without this connection, many companies and institutions operate alone, and projects requiring consortia and diverse participants—often demanded by European calls—are lost.

Joint brand and appeal for talent and investment

The platform will also serve to create a common brand that projects the Camp de Tarragona as an innovative and attractive region. This not only enhances the image but plays a fundamental role in attracting investments and quality professionals.

A technical office within the Chair of University and Knowledge Region will be dedicated to energizing this ecosystem, ensuring the network is operational and grows with new agents.

Future and expansion of the innovation system

Incorporation of more agents with an innovative DNA

The idea is that as the platform works, other actors in the territory interested in innovating will be added, such as research centers, technology transfer, and leading innovation companies.

This growth will multiply synergies and better foster interaction between municipalities and administrations, especially in the context of boosting the Tarragona metropolitan area.

An impulse that will change the way of collaborating

Until now, the lack of connection has hindered collaborative dynamics between municipalities and agents in the Camp de Tarragona. With the SIM and the new network, this scenario is set to change.

The challenge is for innovation to stop being the concern of just a few and become a shared engine that helps transform the territory.

With this movement, Tarragona is not only preparing to compete but to lead an ecosystem that has long been asking to move from potential to reality.

At least now they can no longer say they don’t know each other.

Source of the article: Rovira i Virgili University

The latest data from the National Institute of Statistics (INE) show that transport and hospitality lead the increases, while food and footwear curb overall inflation.

The sectors with the highest price increases

Transport: a 6.4% increase with strong momentum

Transport is the group that has become the most expensive compared to a year ago, with year-on-year inflation rising from 5.5% in April to 6.4% in May. This increase directly affects residents who need to commute daily.

Hospitality and insurance, on the rise

Hospitality is also rising: from 4.2% to 5.1%. Insurance and financial products maintain a high inflation of 5.3%, a reminder that certain services continue to increase despite moderation in other sectors.

Factors containing the CPI in Tarragona and Ebre

Moderation in food and beverages

Prices for food and alcoholic beverages are among the few that do not worsen: they contribute to keeping the CPI stable, a bit kinder to people’s wallets.

Clothing and footwear, no surprises

Clothing and footwear have also remained without significant variations compared to previous months, helping to curb accumulated inflation.

Data, sources, and contact for more information

Official data from the INE

The data have been recently published by the National Institute of Statistics, which closely monitors price evolution in the area.

Contact for subscribers and businesses

To access the full content you must be a subscriber to ACN or contact the sales team at phone 93 553 14 16 or by email at comercial@acn.cat.

If you are already a subscriber, the session can be started through the official page.

Inflation resists falling, especially in basic services we have to pay for every day.

Source of the article: Editorial | ACN

In addition to the celebration, diplomas were awarded to participants of the Sponsorship, Bonds, Language Volunteering, and Socio-educational Mentoring programs, a recognition that highlights the social and educational involvement in the city.

The Educational Environment Plan in Tortosa

What is it and how does it work?

The Educational Environment Plan (PEE) is an initiative that seeks to create support networks among schools, families, and local organizations to improve educational success and social cohesion. In Tortosa, the PEE has become a driving force for community participation and student support.

Highlighted programs and their importance

The programs recognized at the celebration are key to integration and personal development: Sponsorship connects students with mentors who accompany them, Bonds strengthens family support, Language Volunteering promotes the learning of Catalan, and Socio-educational Mentoring helps overcome school and social difficulties.

The party at the City Hall square

An event for the community

The City Hall square was filled with life during the party that served to close the school year. Activities, music, and moments of togetherness formed the backdrop for the diploma ceremony, a detail that moved the participants and their families.

The attendees' response

Families and educators positively valued the event, which highlights the importance of a project that goes beyond the classrooms and creates bonds among the citizens of Tortosa.

The role of the City Hall and the future of the Educational Plan

Institutional support

The City Hall of Tortosa is a key player in promoting the Educational Environment Plan, coordinating resources and facilitating the participation of the different involved agents. This party confirms the municipal commitment to education and social cohesion.

Perspectives for the next school year

With the school year closed, work is already underway for the Educational Environment Plan to continue expanding and adapting to the needs of students and families, with the goal that Tortosa maintains and improves this model of educational participation.

If the party has served any purpose, it is to demonstrate that education is everyone’s responsibility, and that in Tortosa no one is left behind without a diploma in their pocket.

Source of the article: City Hall of Tortosa

The municipal group En Comú Podem has brought this case to the Labor Inspectorate, which now has nine months to open a file and propose a solution to the Generalitat. The complaint is based on the occupational risk prevention law, since, paradoxically, there is no Catalan or state regulation that controls the temperature for children.

The complaint about the lack of air conditioning in schools

The affected centers and the origin of the complaint

Four schools in Tarragona suffer from the lack of proper air conditioning in the classrooms. The teachers affirm that the high temperatures hinder daily work and put occupational health at risk. The actual conditions contrast with the comfort promises that educational spaces should guarantee.

The legal basis of the complaint

The spokesperson of En Comú Podem, Jordi Collado, denounces that the occupational risk prevention law protects teachers but does not regulate conditions for children. This gap causes the situation to drag on without a solution until the Labor Inspectorate takes on the file and urges the Generalitat to act.

Impact on teachers and students

Violated labor conditions

The high temperatures cause an unbearable work situation for the teaching staff. It is impossible to maintain concentration and teaching quality when the thermometer rises uncontrollably. This can imply health risks and a feeling of institutional abandonment.

Well-being and learning of the students

If the teachers are suffering, the children cannot perform. The classrooms resemble more a sauna than a space to learn. This directly affects the students’ attention capacity and motivation, with the risk that it translates into worse educational results.

Institutional response and case follow-up

Procedure of the Labor Inspectorate

The Labor Inspectorate now has the ball in its court. It has a maximum of nine months to investigate and determine whether the Generalitat must act to guarantee decent conditions at school. Opening a file is a step that can trigger concrete measures.

Expectations and future steps

There is great expectation among the educational community. Families and teachers want to see real changes, not just promises. The Generalitat will be pressured to respond with investments and reforms to prevent this situation from perpetuating season after season.

Perhaps now that the heat is at the doorstep, someone will realize that the problem is not solved by opening windows. Or maybe not.

Source of the article: Editorial | ACN

The Consortium of Environmental Policies (COPATE) has led this key meeting, which comes thirteen years after UNESCO declared the area a Biosphere Reserve. The goal now is to make the brand transform the territory and not just remain a title.

A congress to create alliances and strategies

Participants and objectives

With 125 attendees, the congress served to connect local agents, experts, and institutions. All with the same purpose: to create synergies that make the Biosphere Reserve grow beyond the label.

A clear commitment to innovation and to finding new ways to work the territory, not only from an environmental perspective but also social and economic.

The new strategies proposed

Among the highlighted topics is the development of continuous projects that avoid the back-and-forth of occasional aid. The idea is for the Reserve to have a solid roadmap and secured resources to carry out long-term initiatives.

It is about turning the designation into a real engine of dynamism and territorial transformation from Horta de Sant Joan to every corner of the Terres de l'Ebre.

The challenge of stable financing

Dependence on temporary subsidies

Until now, most of the Reserve's projects have been linked to punctual subsidies, which limit continuity and long-term planning. This situation creates uncertainty and makes it difficult to consolidate activity.

The need to find stable and structural financing is one of the clearest demands that emerged from the congress, a too well-known cliché but still unresolved in many territories with similar recognitions.

Strategies to guarantee resources

The proposals focus on seeking public-private alliances and taking advantage of more structural European and state funds. Mechanisms of own financing are also considered to maintain projects beyond political or economic cycles.

A system that makes the Reserve less vulnerable to change and more capable of generating constant social and environmental impact.

The pending expansion and impact on the territory

An expanding territory

The Terres de l'Ebre Biosphere Reserve is awaiting approval of the expansion that will include the entire territory. This will mean an important scale change, with more protected areas and involved local protagonists.

An expansion that can strengthen the territory’s identity but also poses new management and coordination challenges.

Expected impact on the local community

Local actors expect that the designation will not just be a label but a real engine of change. That its recognition helps improve quality of life, generate sustainable economic opportunities, and preserve natural and cultural heritage.

But the question is clear: how will all this transform into concrete actions that benefit the residents?

If the speeches remain words, the echo of the Biosphere will vanish like the morning mist over the Roques de Benet.

Source of the article: Anna Ferras | ACN

All this, at a crucial moment for the food sector, and with the institutional presence that adds weight to the operation, such as the Minister of Economy and Finance, Alicia Romero, who inaugurated this new project in the l'Avenar industrial estate.

The investment and expansion that transform Roda de Berà

18 MEUR to expand the 7,000 m² plant

Pastisart has invested 18 million euros to expand its production plant in the l'Avenar industrial estate. This expansion represents a growth of 7,000 square meters that doubles the current factory capacity.

This expansion is not only physical. It is a step that consolidates Pastisart as the third largest manufacturer of frozen bakery and pastry products in Spain, according to official data.

Benefits for the local economy and employment

The increase in production capacity also means more jobs. Pastisart already employs more than 200 people, but this project foresees the creation of new positions, a boost for the local economy.

The renewed factory becomes an economic engine that projects Roda de Berà onto the list of industrial benchmarks in the Tarragonès region.

Innovation with fermented products and new horizons

New line of laminated fermented dough

The main novelty presented by Pastisart is the new line of fermented laminated dough products. This launch represents a commitment to innovation and diversification of the catalog, which could mark a before and after in the market.

These products, which require more complex processes, are part of a strategy to attract new consumers and open new distribution channels.

Exports to twenty countries

Regarding the international projection, Pastisart is not playing small. It already exports to about twenty countries, and this expansion aims to strengthen its external presence, improving production and quality to satisfy demanding markets.

The Roda de Berà plant thus positions itself as a key hub for the export of frozen bakery and pastry products.

Reactions and official data about the project

Institutional presence at the inauguration

The Minister of Economy and Finance, Alicia Romero, was in charge of symbolically inaugurating this expansion, a gesture that highlights the importance of the investment for the region and the Catalan agri-food industry.

Local representatives emphasized that this expansion strengthens the Tarragonese industry, which despite difficulties, remains competitive and innovative.

Pastisart in numbers

Now, the big question: how is it possible that a bakery factory goes from being just another to a national benchmark without losing its artisanal touch? The answer lies in the balance between technological investment and respect for tradition, a formula that seems to work at Pastisart.

Maybe it’s not just flour and yeast, but a bit of industrial magic.

Source of the article: Editorial | ACN

The Valogreene Econova project already has permits and has signed the purchase of three plots with the City Council. With an investment of 64 million euros, only the payment remains to start construction, but the neighborhood reaction shows that the battle is not lost yet.

Neighbor protest and explicit rejection by the mayor

Neighbors warn of major environmental and social impact

Rubén Guerra, an affected neighbor, denounces that it is an industry with a “great impact” that will bring pollution and noise to the area. It is not only a health problem, but a quality of life issue that the townspeople are currently unwilling to give up.

The mobilization is beginning to organize to stop a project they consider too aggressive for the environment and their daily lives. Complaints go beyond rumors: there is real fear, which translates into constant actions and meetings.

Mayor Enric Roberto admits he “doesn’t like it” but pushes the project forward

Enric Roberto, mayor of La Selva del Camp, does not hide it: he acknowledges that he “does not like” the project, but explains that the City Council has facilitated the process. This stance makes it clear that internal disagreement exists, but the institutional engine continues running.

The contrast between the local government and the neighbors is evident. The dissonance leads many to wonder if the interests of the citizens are really being prioritized in this case.

Technical details and exact location of the plant

The land in the Xalamec industrial estate and the planned investment

The plant will be located on three plots situated in the Xalamec industrial estate of La Selva del Camp. The company Valogreene Econova has signed the purchase agreement with the City Council and is preparing to make the payment.

With an investment reaching 64 million euros, the construction and start-up of the plant will mean a significant change in the industrial and economic landscape of the municipality.

Function and impact of pyrolytic oil

Pyrolytic oil is a chemical product obtained through the thermal decomposition of organic materials. The industry intended to be installed will generate this oil through processes that, according to neighbors, could cause pollution and persistent noise.

The environmental risk is the most controversial point, with doubts about how emissions and waste from this activity will be managed.

Reactions and future perspectives

Neighbor response and possible legal actions

Neighbors are organizing to demand more information and transparency and are studying actions to stop the project. Social pressure could translate into mobilizations or lawsuits to the competent administrations.

The fight is not only local: other municipalities and ecological entities are closely following the case, turning La Selva del Camp into a possible precedent for similar projects.

The role of the City Council and conflict management

The City Council finds itself in a complex position: while facilitating the process, the mayor hints that he does not agree with the project. Managing this contradiction will be key to preventing an escalation of the conflict.

The council will have to respond to citizen demands if it does not want the protest to become a larger problem.

La Selva del Camp faces a dilemma that goes far beyond a simple industrial project. And this is only the beginning.

Source of the article: Arnau Martínez | ACN

The ConecTarragona project, promoted by the City Council through the Municipal Tourism Board, began its implementation in 2026. With digital tools and interactive experiences, it aims to attract both tourists and residents.

What ConecTarragona is and how it works

Gamification and augmented reality to rediscover Tarragona

ConecTarragona is not just any route. It combines thematic games, challenges, and rewards to make visiting key points of Tarragona more attractive. Augmented reality adds a digital layer that transforms the environment, offering cultural and urban content in a new and participative way.

This means that you don’t just pass by the heritage sites, but you interact with them through your mobile or tablet. It is a personalized experience that connects the visitor with history, local commerce, and the city’s public spaces.

Complementary digital tools: Mou-te Tarragona and Rutes Tarragona

The project includes two digital platforms. The first, Mou-te Tarragona, calculates multimodal routes adapted to the user’s preferences and mobility. The second, Rutes Tarragona, offers cultural and natural content with integrated city promotion.

These tools allow combining transport, walking, and recreational activities, offering a complete experience adapted to different types of audiences. These platforms are expected to be the future of exploring Tarragona in a more sustainable and attractive way.

Funding and project deployment

Next Generation funds and implementation phases

ConecTarragona is financed with European Next Generation resources that promote digitalization and innovation. Deployment will be done in three phases, starting with central areas and progressively expanding to other neighborhoods and nearby municipalities.

The idea is to reach a broad audience with diverse profiles: from tourists seeking new experiences to residents who want to better know their city.

Expected impact for Tarragona

This initiative also aims to revitalize local commerce and enhance culture, creating a cycle where technology helps to boost the economy and urban leisure. Visitors will enjoy a Tarragona more alive and connected than ever.

It also seeks to promote sustainable mobility thanks to the multimodal integration that Mou-te Tarragona offers.

How to access and what you need to know

Subscribe and use the routes

Access to the digital tools requires registration or being a user of services linked to the City Council. Media and companies can contact the Municipal Tourism Board for more information and to collaborate in promotion.

For individual users, using the applications is designed to be intuitive and accessible, with integrated guides and tutorials.

What’s next

The following phases foresee expanding content, routes, and integration with other tourist and cultural services. More gamification elements and immersive experiences are also expected to keep interest active.

The Tarragona people know will change, but without losing its essence: a place to discover on foot, but now with technology that will make sure no one gets bored.

If you thought you had seen it all, we invite you to test ConecTarragona and see how the city transforms under your steps.

Source of the article: Editorial | ACN

According to the Official College of Technical Architecture of Tarragona (COAATT), Baix Camp, Tarragonès, and Baix Penedès concentrate nearly three-quarters of the new pools that have begun construction this year.

Unprecedented growth in pool construction

Specific data from COAATT

Between January and May, 77 new pools have been started in private homes in the region. This figure represents a 70% increase compared to last year and returns to the levels of 2021, when a strong rise in these types of installations occurred.

Factors driving demand

COAATT attributes this jump to the growing perception that heat is a key factor in home comfort. With increasingly intense summers, having a pool is no longer a luxury but almost a necessity for many residents of Camp de Tarragona.

Characteristics and location of new pools

Type and average cost

The typical pool built in the region has an area of about 25 square meters. The average cost is around 11,000 euros, a figure that can vary depending on the type of work and materials used.

Territorial distribution

Baix Camp, Tarragonès, and Baix Penedès concentrate 77% of the new constructions. This reflects a particularly high interest in these counties, which lead the private pool market in Camp de Tarragona.

Growth impacts and local perspective

Local repercussions

With this increase, the urban dynamics of the area are affected. More pools also mean an increase in water and energy consumption, an issue that is already starting to generate debate among residents and administrations.

Reactions and additional data

Sources from COAATT emphasize that this trend could be maintained or even grow in the coming years, given the climatic trend and the preferences of residents. But, as always, not everyone has or wants a pool.

Maybe the heat doesn’t forgive, but neither do the budget and space.

Source of the article: Editorial | ACN

CEDAT and the Chair of Environmental Law Studies of Tarragona Alcalde Pere Lloret, linked to the Rovira i Virgili University, have experienced this transition with an event that, more than procedural, has been a tribute to a legacy and a commitment to the future.

The leadership change at the head of CEDAT

Who is Endrius Cocciolo?

The new director, associate professor of Administrative Law at URV, carries energy law and the ecological transition in his blood. Graduated from Università del Salento and doctor from the Autonomous University of Barcelona with cum laude honors, Cocciolo does not only accumulate titles: he also coordinates leading European projects, such as MSCA-DN THERESA, which trains professionals for a renewable hydrogen economy.

Antoni Pigrau and the legacy to surpass

The founder and former director, Antoni Pigrau, has been the soul of CEDAT for nearly twenty years. He not only created the institution but also built a solid and internationally recognized academic community. This is what Cocciolo now must maintain and grow, a task that will not be easy at all.

Goals and challenges of the new leadership

Consolidating a reference in environmental law

Cocciolo does not want to settle. He wants CEDAT to be the benchmark in Catalonia and Spain in environmental law, but also a space with global impact. The key? Environmental, climate, and energy justice, especially in a context full of challenges and complexities. A discourse that does not remain in words but translates into cutting-edge research and training.

Projects and social impact

The new director wants to strengthen research and the connection with society. The projects under his direction seek not only to produce knowledge but also to influence real policies and practices. The emphasis on justice (without filter) and energy as a backbone are the identity markers that will define CEDAT over the coming years.

The academic and scientific career of Endrius Cocciolo

Experience in European and national projects

Apart from MSCA-DN THERESA, Cocciolo has led initiatives such as the national project ComEnerSys, which deals with the regulation of community energy systems and energy flexibility. He also holds responsibility for various projects within the Industrial Doctorates program of the Government of Catalonia, a clear demonstration of his capacity to manage applied research.

His role in education and international forums

He is academic coordinator of the Interuniversity Master’s Degree in Public Administration Law and a prominent member of the European Environmental Law Forum. Moreover, he has been Co-Chair of the Research Committee of the IUCN Academy of Environmental Law, honoring his global vocation with a local perspective that he now leads in Tarragona.

The change of director at CEDAT confirms that the institution does not want to fall behind. With Cocciolo at the helm, Tarragona maintains a center with pedigree, but also with the desire to shake up the environmental law landscape.

Source of the article: Rovira i Virgili University

Driven by the Theatre Classroom of the Rovira i Virgili University and the Tarragona City Council, this project proposes more than shows: it offers a space for exchange where the audience can intervene and share with creators.

A space where theatre and performance mix

BunkerLab, an open and plural proposal

BunkerLab leaves behind the idea of culture as a closed product and bets on an open process. Here, theatre dialogues with performance, audiovisual, photography, and scenic action to bring to the table the contradictions of the world we live in.

The fourth edition focuses on the idea of transit: the vital, social, and emotional changes we go through as individuals and as a community. It is a space to look into each other's eyes, listen, and activate shared sensitivity.

Workshops and actions open to the public

Beyond the shows, BunkerLab includes workshops and shared workspaces. This allows citizens to approach creative processes and participate in performative actions, becoming an active part of the project.

The opening day, June 9, presents creative processes and invites audience involvement. There will also be a screening of "Alpes: última salida," an audiovisual project by young Tarragona journalists, and the poetic exhibition "The Rhythm of Absence" by Zona Zàlata, which reflects on violence and dehumanization.

Scenic pieces that put society on stage

Proposals that explore personal and social transformation

Among the highlighted pieces, "De bola a bola" by Estel Boada addresses personal change processes. Alba Rihe presents "Turboidentitat," a monologue that mixes mediumship and social struggles with body expression.

Also noteworthy is "L’auca de la migració," a performative action about migratory reality and mutual respect, with texts by Oriol Montesó and Enric Garriga, illustrations by Alejandra Zúñiga Cárdenas, and voices of Marta Grau and Joan Pascual.

Calidoscope and the multiple gaze on reality

The Theatre Classroom of the URV directs "Calidoscope 1" and "Calidoscope 2," which claim dialogue and listening against discourses of violence and confrontation. This plural perspective values the defense of life from a scenic point of view.

The 2026 edition of BunkerLab consolidates a methodology that bets on collective creation, the crossing of disciplines, and openness to the public as a driver of social transformation.

Local impetus and coordination with social projection

An initiative of the URV and the Tarragona City Council

BunkerLab is the result of collaboration between the Tarragona City Council and Rovira i Virgili University, with pedagogical and artistic coordination by the URV Theatre Classroom and the Zona Zàlata company.

This alliance strengthens the connection between university, institutions, and society, making Tarragona a meeting point for creation and critical thinking.

A creative laboratory open to everyone

The project is not only designed for professionals or students but for anyone who wants to participate and experiment. BunkerLab invites creators and citizens to share processes, experiences, and reflections with the aim of building an accessible and transformative culture.

Thus, a space is generated where culture becomes a tool to understand and act in the world around us, without filters or barriers.

If you thought culture was just about watching shows, BunkerLab shows you it can be much more: a place to think, feel, and move together.

Source of the article: Rovira i Virgili University