Investors seem convinced that Europe has finally broken free from recession and is finding the path for sustainable growth. However, excessive bureaucracy and slow recovery figures are still seen as major impediments. Geopolitical unrest in some countries, and insecurity regarding energy policies, public deficits and changes in legislation also are deterrents. Barcelona is Spain’s most attractive city, but needs to boost its economy mix promoting all business sectors in order to rank higher and compete with other European cities.

1. Europe 2015: Time for recovery
EY Attractiveness Survey
July 2015

2. Page 2
Europe is back on track
Europe 2015: Comeback Time
EY Attractiveness Survey
On the 13th edition of our annual
foreign investment study we
have gathered the opinions of
over 800 international
executives. 59% of them
consider that Western Europe’s
attractiveness will be gaining
speed over the next three years.
http://www.ey.com/ES/es/Home/EY-
european-attractiveness-survey-2015

3. Page 3
Positive signs in the European markets
► Europe attracted 4.341 investment projects in 2014, with a 10% annual increase.
They created 185.583 new jobs.
► Executives believe that the continent will gain sustainable growth in the next years
despite doubts regarding Greece and the slow speed of recovery of some of the
largest economies.
► Cities play a major role in generating growth, innovation and entrepreneurial
activities.
► London, Paris and Berlin remain the tree most attractive destinations for foreign
investment.
Europe 2015: Comeback Time

4. Page 4
Spain, in 4th position
Europe 2015: Comeback Time
► Spain received 232 projects of direct foreign investment in
2014, with a 5% annual increase.
► However, the rhythm of job creation slowed down.

5. Page 5
Interest in Catalunya grows
► Almost half of the foreign
direct investment projects in
Spain are located in
Catalunya.
► The region registers a 27%
annual rise in the number of
deals.
► The United States, Germany
and France remain the main
countries of origin.
► Financial services and
manufacturing are the two
most attractive business
sectors, but IT, Med-Tech
and clean energy are on the
rise.
Europe 2015: Comeback Time

6. Page 6
Barcelona: focus on generating employment
► Barcelona remains the eighth
most attractive European city for
foreign investors.
► Its metropolitan area
concentrated the majority of the
7.000 new jobs created in
Catalunya by international
companies last year.
► No other European city has
managed to translate its
investment figures into such a
high level of new employment.
Europe 2015: Comeback Time

7. Page 7
To conclude
Europe 2015: Comeback Time

8. Page 8
Guidelines to consolidate growth
On the road towards further competitiveness
► Investors seem convinced that Europe has finally broken free from recession and is
finding the path for sustainable growth.
► However, excessive bureaucracy and slow recovery figures are still seen as major
impediments. Geopolitical unrest in some countries, and insecurity regarding energy
policies, public deficits and changes in legislation also are deterrents.
The local picture
► Barcelona is Spain’s most attractive city, but needs to boost its economy mix
promoting all business sectors in order to rank higher and compete with other
European cities.
► Companies and public administrations need to work together to simplify processes
and promote initiatives that attract international talent.
Europe 2015: Comeback Time

9. Page 9
Thank you!
Europe 2015: Comeback Time