Environmentalists accuse president of 'climate denial' over Barcelona airport expansion plan

The new plan to expand Barcelona Airport, announced on Tuesday morning by Catalan president Salvador Illa, has already drawn heavy criticism from climate activists, who warn that the project will affect protected natural areas.

Ecologistes en Acció accused Illa of being a "climate denier" and argued that the expansion is incompatible with efforts to cut emissions and meet upcoming climate targets.

"The obsessive goal of expanding the airport makes it clear that Illa’s government sides with climate denial. Bringing in thousands of new flights is incompatible with the Climate Emergency Declaration," the group said in a statement.

The activists said they were "astonished" by the decision and announced plans to call for "massive protests" in the coming weeks.

EU reviewing proposal

The European Commission will play a crucial role in determining whether the runway extension can move forward, as it must approve the project.

On Tuesday, environment spokesperson Maciej Berestecki confirmed that the Commission was "aware" of Illa’s proposal and that it was "under review."

In fact, the previous extension project is still pending approval, as the Commission opened a sanctioning process over damage to species in the protected area.

In a related report, the EU also warned that any new airport expansion must "not significantly affect" natural habitats.

Comuns oppose the project

The left-wing Comuns party is hoping the European Commission will block the expansion.

Party spokesperson David Cid described the announcement as "bad news more suited to the 20th century."

He said the project is "purely economic" and that his party would explore all avenues to halt it.

Cid expressed hope that the EU would reject the plan, calling approval "practically impossible."

Business sector welcomes plan

Meanwhile, the business sector has welcomed the proposal.

The president of Fira Barcelona, which hosts major events such as the Mobile World Congress, called the plan "good news for the country" that will enhance the "city’s appeal" for international events.

"It will allow us to keep growing the major events we organize and strengthen our position as a global host city," he said.

The Chamber of Commerce and the small business employers’ association have also praised the plan.

Chamber vice president Miquel Martí Escursell assured that the expansion would "comply with European legislation" and "respect environmental protections."