"Barcelona is a city you can never fully explore," by Helen Pino
Helen Pino Vera, 42 years old, married, and a mother of one. Born in Caracas, Helen has lived in Kuala Lumpur and Hong Kong before moving to Barcelona 18 years ago. She is the founder of LEGAL 70, , the first alliance of solo law firms specializing in International Law, established in various cities across Europe, Dubai, the United States, and primarily Latin America. She is also the co-founder of The Global Summers Foundation, a nonprofit organization whose primary goal is to support entrepreneurial migrants from around the world through training, legal assistance, and access to microloans.
Why did you choose Barcelona?
For me, Barcelona is a city that nourishes the soul. You can never fully explore it; you can walk down the same street a thousand times and still discover something new when you look up. And if your neck starts to ache, you can look ahead and be greeted by the Mediterranean Sea, or look back to admire the beauty of Collserola. The light in Barcelona is unlike anything in any other European city—Gaudí knew this well when he chose the materials and colors for his most iconic buildings. My office is very close to La Pedrera, and I can assure you that the building doesn’t appear the same color in the morning as it does in the evening when the sun sets. I’ve witnessed the evolution and grandeur of the Sagrada Familia, towering above all other structures, reminding us of how small we are in the face of the Universe’s creation.
What are the city’s strengths?
Barcelona stands out for the peaceful coexistence that exists among its diverse cultures. According to data published by IDESCAT, more than 17.2% of the population in Catalonia are foreigners, with the majority concentrated in Barcelona. Broadly speaking, half of this percentage comes from European countries, while the other half comes from South American countries. The proximity to the sea, the wide variety of gastronomic and cultural offerings, as well as its architecture and ongoing cultural investments, are some of the city's key strengths. I believe that the most positive thing to happen to this city after Gaudí has undoubtedly been the 1992 Olympics.
Which aspects of the city need to be improved? How?
The first thing Barcelona definitely needs to improve is its residential housing market, which is severely lacking. Large property holders owning entire buildings have turned into a kind of 11-month Airbnb business, charging exorbitant prices. Any family (local or foreign) wishing to move to Barcelona faces the same housing dilemma. Buying or renting is nearly impossible. Another issue that needs attention is the precarious state of the interurban transportation system. RENFE never operates as expected. The FGC network is a different story, but Vallès also has a high population density. The most immediate solution would be to establish parking areas with shuttle bus services running every five minutes, as well as improving the commuter rail (rodalies) and interurban transportation services. Lastly, on the wish list, are fiscal and hiring incentives for small businesses, which would help generate more jobs and boost the city’s GDP.
What do you expect from Barcelona in the coming years?
I hope Barcelona grows demographically, with a larger active population contributing to the city's economic growth. To achieve this, it is essential to attract high-quality immigration that can strengthen the base of the productive pyramid. It is an indisputable fact that the working-age population in Catalonia is aging. I also hope trilingualism is implemented in schools so that all students graduate proficient in Catalan, Spanish, and English—indispensable tools for a future we cannot yet predict.
Which city do you consider to be your home city? What do you miss most?
I am the granddaughter of a Spanish emigrant. I don’t fully belong to any one place, but I am fortunate enough to feel a part of many places. If I must choose, I would prefer to die in Barcelona, a place where I have been happy.
