Latest news

The 2025 annual report describes the consolidation of this project as a reference for cooperativism and the social and solidarity economy in Barcelona and Catalonia, with the organization of nearly 3,000 activities including over 21,500 participants. Guidance has also been provided to more than 140 organizations, and 40 projects with 151 employees have been hosted.

Despite efforts to move toward the energy transition, Catalonia continues to rely significantly on fossil fuels. In a context of geopolitical instability, this direct connection to external markets not only represents a strategic problem—it also weakens competitiveness.

Access to financing continues to be a challenge for the social and cooperative economy, especially since conventional circuits often don’t understand models based on people and the local community. As a result, there’s a need for specialized services that can support projects and connect them with financing that aligns with their values.

Technology cooperatives Kloosiv and Relab Studio are launching ESSIA, the first artificial intelligence infrastructure for the Social and Solidarity Economy (SSE). The ESSIA project hopes to show that it is possible to build critical technology from within cooperativism, with professional rigour, energy sustainability, and a vocation for social transformation.

Bloc4BCN is launching a new professional food processing space for promoting the growth of projects with added value and a social and environmental impact. It’s the Bloc4BCN Kitchen: over 100 m² equipped to test, promote, innovate or improve food-based ideas that are accessible, high-quality, and responsible, with ties to local communities and that align with the values of the Social and Solidarity Economy.

After two years getting the project up and running, Bloc4BCN has established itself as a key space for cooperativism and the social and solidarity economy in Barcelona and Catalonia—as well as an international point of reference. With nearly 100% of the space for cooperatives already occupied, 2026 marks the beginning of a phase for the project to mature and grow strategically. We expect 25,000 people to pass through Bloc4BCN, and to host around 115 activities and 220 training sessions.

Bloc4BCN opened its doors on Saturday, October 25 as part of the 48h Open House Barcelona architecture festival. It received 468 visitors, making the day a notable success. Participants got a first-hand look at this cooperative space in the old Can Batlló industrial complex, which has been transformed into a centre for community, cooperative, and Social and Solidarity Economy projects.

After the summer holidays, we’re back with plenty of energy and good news about this September at Bloc4BCN. As usual, the space will be open from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, available to any individuals or organizations interested in the SSE.

Bloc 4 Association has opened a selection process for hiring a communications expert. See the terms and conditions below!