Spain faces GRECO warning over anti‑corruption deficiencies

The Council of Europe’s anti‑corruption watchdog GRECO has issued a scathing assessment of Spain’s compliance with its anti‑corruption recommendations. The latest report highlights persistent gaps in the oversight of senior government officials, the National Police and the Civil Guard, and criticises the lack of a systematic strategy to combat corruption.

GRECO urges Spain to strengthen transparency on lobby interactions, publish detailed agendas of meetings with high‑level officials, and enhance supervision of the so‑called “revolving‑door” practices. The body also calls for reforms to the privileged legal status (aforamiento) enjoyed by top officials, arguing it should not impede criminal investigations. Spain must report progress to GRECO by 30 June 2025.

The report situates Spain’s shortcomings within a broader European context, noting that many member states exhibit weak implementation of anti‑corruption measures, politicisation of the judiciary, and insufficient independent oversight mechanisms.