Catalonia faces legal challenge over Barcelona’s Airbnb ban

Catalonia‘s decision to eliminate 10,000 holiday lets in Barcelona over the next five years has sparked a legal challenge from the European Holiday Home Association (EHHA). The industry group filed a complaint with the European Commission, arguing that the ban, introduced in June, violates EU law by breaching the provision of services directive. The EHHA claims the restrictions are disproportionate and politically motivated, particularly given the housing crisis in Barcelona, where locals struggle to find affordable housing.

Catalan authorities have not granted new tourist flat licenses since 2014, but this has not alleviated the city’s housing shortage. The European Commission has expressed concerns that the new measures are excessive and could be harming the local economy. EHHA representatives argue that other factors, such as empty dwellings, are contributing more to the housing crisis than short-term rentals like Airbnb.

Barcelona’s move is part of a broader trend of European cities combating overtourism, following similar actions by places like Venice and Amsterdam. However, the issue is now reaching the EU’s political stage, with the European Commission weighing in on the matter and preparing to tackle short-term rental regulation.