On January 8th, 2026, El País reported a significant development that has sparked a wide debate about local governance and municipal relations: Bellaterra has officially requested its independence from Cerdanyola del Vallès to integrate into the neighboring town of Sant Cugat del Vallès.

This is a major step in the recent history of Bellaterra, a small residential area with approximately 9,000 inhabitants that is currently part of the Entidad Municipal Descentralizada (EMD) of Cerdanyola. Although administratively linked to Cerdanyola, Bellaterra has expressed its desire to join Sant Cugat, a municipality that stands out in terms of quality of life and economic power, showing a marked difference compared to Cerdanyola.

The Generalitat of Catalonia will be the deciding body and is expected to make its decision by summer 2026. The request has been backed by a majority of Bellaterra’s residents, who in 2019 voted in favor of independence from Cerdanyola and supported integration with Sant Cugat.

This movement reflects a growing interest among populations seeking greater autonomy or better integration with nearby municipalities that are more aligned with their social and economic profiles. If approved, Bellaterra could become part of Sant Cugat, which is known for its high quality of life, modern infrastructure, and its status as one of the fastest-growing economic centers in the region.

This case is generating a broader discussion about local governance in Catalonia, where not only the legal aspects of separation are being evaluated, but also the social, economic, and political implications for all parties involved. Sant Cugat has already expressed its interest in incorporating Bellaterra, but the process could still take more time due to the legal details that need to be addressed.