Spain enacts new law to regulate former officials and lobbying

The Spanish Government has approved a new Royal Decree-Law aimed at increasing transparency and preventing conflicts of interest regarding the professional activities of former high-ranking officials. Under the new regulations, former officials of the General State Administration are prohibited from engaging in professional influence activities for private entities related to their former departments or agencies for two years following their departure.

The law introduces a mandatory state registry for lobbyists. Meeting with unregistered interest groups is classified as a serious infraction, with narrow exceptions allowed only if the group commits to registering within three business days. Additionally, high-ranking officials are now legally required to publish all meetings and contacts with interest groups on the Transparency Portal.

Data from the Office of Conflicts of Interest shows that in the first four months of 2026, 12 private sector activities were authorized for nine former officials. Since 2014, the office has authorized 644 such activities, with notable destinations including universities, consultancies, and various private corporations.