Aragon’s economy continues to perform favorably and create jobs, but businesses warn that moderating activity, weaker investment, and rising costs threaten their capacity for growth. The Economic Outlook Committee of CEOE Aragón, which met on September 25, 2026, is calling for a more agile public administration and policies to address the talent shortage.
CEOE Aragón warns of the impact of costs and uncertainty on investment
Businesses in Aragon are operating in an environment shaped by international uncertainty, rising costs, and mounting regulatory pressure. Although they retain the capacity to adapt and grow, the Committee sees a slowdown in both economic activity and corporate investment.
Higher energy, labor, logistics, and raw-material costs are eroding companies’ margins and affecting the launch of new projects. The situation is compounded by regulatory and administrative burdens that, according to the employers’ association, affect companies across all sectors and of every size.
The Committee’s president, Félix Longás, said Aragon’s business community has demonstrated its ability to create jobs and compete in a complex environment. However, he warned that rising costs, workplace absenteeism, shortages of qualified professionals, and regulatory uncertainty could hold back investment decisions and jeopardize future growth.
Businesses call for administrative simplification to boost competitiveness in Aragon
CEOE Aragón is calling for bureaucratic simplification to translate into concrete measures: a more efficient public administration, proportionate procedures, reasonable deadlines, and consistent and predictable criteria. The organization argues that the issue is not legislating less, but improving regulations and assessing their impact on economic activity beforehand.
Its proposals include the effective implementation of a one-stop shop, the creation of a single digital file, and the elimination of redundant document requirements. It also calls for strengthening tools such as declarations of responsibility and positive administrative silence, while avoiding duplication and repeated requests for information already held by public authorities.
The Confederation is developing an action plan with business associations, sectors, clusters, professional associations, and companies to identify the main administrative obstacles. The goal is to reduce regulatory burdens, speed up investment, and strengthen the competitiveness of Aragón.
Talent shortages and slowing foreign markets concern businesses in Aragon
Job creation continues, but many companies are struggling to fill vacancies and find candidates whose profiles match their needs. CEOE Aragón considers it a priority to strengthen the link between education, skills, and business demand, as well as to promote policies that encourage workers to enter the labor market.
Internationalization remains strategically important to Aragon’s economy, and exports continue to be a driver of growth. However, the Committee noted that some sectors are already seeing a slowdown in sales in overseas markets.
The meeting was attended by the Aragon regional government’s minister for Economy, Competitiveness and Employment, Eva Valle, and the director general for Economic Policy, Ricardo Laborda. The meeting examined the economic outlook and business demands amid rising costs, hiring difficulties, and weaker investment momentum.
