Country Data Spain
Spain is a member of the European Union with Madrid as its capital and Spanish as its official EU language. It joined the EU on 1 January 1986 and adopted the euro in 1999, becoming part of the euro area from its inception. Spain has also participated in the Schengen area since 1995, enabling free movement across much of Europe. With a large geographic area, a sizable population, and a diversified economy, Spain represents one of the EU’s major member states in terms of economic weight and demographic scale, with GDP per capita measured in purchasing power standards close to the EU average.
Politically, Spain is organised as a parliamentary democracy and constitutional monarchy. Executive authority is exercised by the government, led by the prime minister, while the monarch serves as head of state with largely symbolic and constitutional functions. Government policy is implemented through a council of ministers chaired by the prime minister. Administratively, Spain is a unitary state that grants a high degree of self-government to its territories, consisting of 17 autonomous communities and two autonomous cities, each with its own competencies and institutional structures.
Spain’s economy is broad-based and service-oriented, while maintaining a substantial industrial foundation. In 2020, public administration, defence, education, healthcare, and social services accounted for a significant share of economic activity. Wholesale and retail trade, transport, accommodation, and food services formed another major pillar, reflecting Spain’s strong domestic market and tourism sector. Industry also played an important role, supporting exports and employment across regions. Spain’s trade is closely integrated with the European single market, with the majority of exports destined for EU partners, particularly France, Germany, and Italy. Outside the EU, the United Kingdom and the United States are among Spain’s most important export destinations. Imports follow a similar pattern, with most goods sourced from other EU member states, alongside notable volumes from China and the United States.
Within the European Union, Spain is an active and influential participant. It is represented by 59 Members of the European Parliament and maintains a European Parliament office to support engagement at national level. Spanish government representatives regularly take part in meetings of the Council of the EU, contributing to the adoption of EU legislation and the coordination of common policies. Spain has also held the rotating Presidency of the Council of the EU on several occasions, most recently in the second half of 2023, underlining its ongoing role in shaping the EU’s agenda.
At the European Commission level, Spain is represented by its nominated Commissioner, who currently serves as High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the Commission, reflecting Spain’s prominent role in EU external relations. Spain is also strongly represented in EU advisory bodies, with 21 members each on the European Economic and Social Committee and the European Committee of the Regions, ensuring that social, economic, and regional interests are reflected in EU policymaking.
Spain maintains a permanent representation to the European Union in Brussels, which acts as the central hub for coordination with EU institutions and the defence of national interests. As one of the larger EU economies, Spain contributes to the EU budget in line with its economic capacity. These contributions help finance EU-wide programmes and projects aimed at fostering cohesion, growth, innovation, and social development across all member states, in line with the broader priorities of the European Union.
