The Council of Europe has issued a damning assessment of Spain, sharply criticizing the country for its inadequate response to political corruption. According to the latest report from the Group of States Against Corruption (GRECO), Spain has failed to fully implement any of the 19 key anti-corruption reforms recommended since 2019. This finding paints a troubling picture of systemic weaknesses in governance, transparency, and oversight within Spain’s central government and law enforcement bodies.
Despite partial progress on some fronts, the Council of Europe underscores a “lack of decisive action and tangible results” from Spanish authorities, warning that without urgent reforms corruption risks will continue to undermine democratic institutions and public trust.
Partial Measures Fall Short Amid Persistent Governance Challenges
The report highlights that while Spain has partially addressed 16 of the GRECO recommendations, three of them remain completely ignored. Areas of particular concern include the absence of significant reform to legal immunity provisions, which currently protect senior officials from easier prosecution, as well as the weak regulation of lobbying activities. Spain still faces “limited transparency in institutional contacts and advisors’ schedules,” negatively impacting the accountability of public office holders.
In law enforcement agencies, progress is uneven. The Civil Guard has taken some steps such as implementing new ethics and integrity plans, but the National Police remains handicapped by “opaque internal procedures” and lacks a comprehensive anti-corruption strategy tailored to modern challenges.
Judicial Independence and Oversight Under Pressure
One of the most alarming issues raised by GRECO concerns the independence and efficacy of Spain’s oversight bodies. The Council of Europe points to insufficient safeguards to prevent conflicts of interest between public and private roles among officials, and slow progress in instilling integrity frameworks for public servants.
The report also notes a lack of systematic training for senior officials on ethical standards, such as those outlined in the national Code of Conduct. Meanwhile, delays continue in adopting key transparency legislation, including the Open Administration Law designed to reinforce integrity in public office.
Political Corruption Scandals and Institutional Responses
The mounting criticism follows several high-profile political scandals that have shaken public confidence in Spain’s political class. Allegations involving family members of government officials, as well as data leaks by the Prosecutor General himself, have fueled concerns over the politicization of justice and lack of accountability at the highest levels.
GRECO’s report was released amid ongoing investigations, including a Supreme Court inquiry into the Prosecutor General for leaking confidential information related to pre-trial investigations. The court has intensified scrutiny, ordering the seizure of digital devices to secure evidence, signaling increased judicial willingness to address abuses. However, these developments coexist with an unstable political environment and questions over sustained political will for comprehensive reform.
Urgent Call for Reform and Transparency
The Council of Europe’s report does not merely illuminate Spain’s failures but serves as a stark call to action. GRECO urges the Spanish government to adopt a “more decisive and coherent anti-corruption strategy” and to prioritize reforms that enhance transparency, oversight, and prosecutorial independence.
A particularly pressing recommendation is the overhaul of laws governing legal immunity, which currently protect senior public officials from prosecution, posing a serious obstacle to holding powerful figures accountable. Additionally, the regulation of lobbying activities remains insufficient, with calls for greater openness about interactions between lawmakers and interest groups.
Spain’s Commitments and Future Outlook
Spanish officials have at times asserted that substantial progress has been made, pointing out that over two-thirds of GRECO’s overall recommendations have been partially or fully addressed. Still, the Council of Europe’s assessment clearly signals that implementation lacks depth and impact.
To maintain credibility and avoid escalating diplomatic pressure, Spain must submit a detailed progress report to GRECO by June 30, 2026. Failure to enact meaningful reforms could invite formal letters, periodic inspections, or other diplomatic measures aimed at accelerating compliance.
Broader Implications for Democratic Governance in Spain
The Council of Europe’s findings underscore wider challenges facing Spain’s democratic governance in an era demanding transparency, accountability, and rule of law resilience. Corruption at high political levels not only erodes trust in public institutions but risks distorting policy and weakening the administration of justice.
GRECO’s report serves as a reminder that institutional integrity requires ongoing commitment, robust laws, and empowered independent bodies capable of investigating and sanctioning corruption effectively.
Statements Emphasizing the Need for Urgent Action
In the report, GRECO’s spokesperson remarked,
“Spain’s failure to fully implement vital anti-corruption reforms signals a critical governance gap that threatens democratic stability.”
The group further called on Madrid to overcome inertia and demonstrate political leadership in transforming commitments into tangible results.
Spanish political analysts agree the country must redouble efforts:
“The persistence of legal immunities and opaque lobbying processes has allowed corruption to flourish unchecked,”
said María López, a governance expert.
“Without swift and transparent action, Spain risks losing both domestic confidence and international credibility.”
The Road Ahead for Spain’s Anti-Corruption Landscape
With the spotlight now firmly on Spain, successive governments will face mounting pressure to deliver on reform promises. GRECO and the Council of Europe’s mechanism provide a framework for sustained monitoring and engagement, but ultimate success depends on Spain’s willingness to tackle entrenched interests and modernize legal and institutional safeguards.
Efforts to improve law enforcement integrity, enhance parliamentary transparency, and fortify judicial independence will be critical to reversing Spain’s current trajectory. International observers will watch closely as Spain prepares its next comprehensive report in mid-2026, marking a pivotal moment in its anti-corruption journey.
Spain’s case is emblematic of broader European concerns about political corruption, emphasizing that even established democracies must remain vigilant in combating these systemic risks.
