The picturesque beaches between Barbate and Zahara de los Atunes are unlike any other on Spain’s southern coastline. This Spanish military town is free from bustling beach bars or vibrant clubs, they remain relatively pristine, frequented only by the grazing Retinta cows that wander near the Sierra del Retín.
This untouched beauty comes with a cost: the land has been restricted for military use since 1982. Now, the small municipality of Barbate is demanding compensation for the 5,400 hectares occupied by the Spanish Ministry of Defence for training purposes.
The weight of military presence
Barbate, a town of nearly 23,000 residents, has endured significant challenges, from high unemployment to a substantial municipal debt of €88 million. The town has one of the highest debts per capita in Spain. The military field at Retín occupies 39% of the town’s territory, limiting its potential for economic growth. Unlike other towns hosting military installations, such as nearby Rota and Morón, Barbate receives no financial compensation from the Spanish government.
Mayor Miguel Molina, leading an alliance between the Andalucian party AxSí and the People’s Party (PP), emphasises that Barbate’s contribution far exceeds that of these other towns. “Our 5,400 hectares are more than the combined area of Rota and Morón,” Molina asserts. Despite this, the town benefits little from the presence of the military, which primarily disrupts urban and tourist development opportunities.
A request for an annual compensation
On November 7, Barbate’s municipal council unanimously passed a motion requesting an annual compensation of €4 million. This funding would offset the challenges posed by military occupation, similar to the arrangements made for towns like Rota, which hosts a shared Spanish-American base. Additionally, the council is seeking a “historical debt” repayment plan of €411 million, covering the years since the land’s designation as a military training zone in 1982.
Mayor Molina has also highlighted a proposal for limited land reallocation. The plan suggests opening 844 hectares of the military zone for development, potentially generating an estimated €1.5 million annually. “This would provide a much-needed boost to our local economy,” Molina said, underscoring the urgent need for government support.
Minimal government response
Despite repeated appeals to Spain’s Ministry of Finance, progress has been slow. Mayor Molina has sent four letters to Finance Minister María Jesús Montero, receiving minimal engagement. The Ministry of Defence, however, has shown some willingness to listen. Defence Minister Margarita Robles met with the Barbate delegation after an impromptu request during her visit to the Retín site. While promising to support their cause, the ultimate decision lies with the Ministry of Finance. “This is not about opposing the military,” Molina clarifies. “It’s about ensuring Barbate receives the same respect and support as other towns in similar circumstances.”
Languishing tuna fishery
Barbate once had a thriving economy. In the late 19th century, the Romeu family played a significant role in boosting the local economy by exploiting the Almadraba fisheries and building a tuna factory. However, restrictive measures by Morocco later affected the fishing industry, leading to economic challenges. Furthermore, the high costs of maintaining the almadraba system and the competition from other fishing methods have made it less economically viable.