Spain launches mandatory registry for interest groups

Spain has opened registration for a new mandatory state registry for interest groups, or lobbies, following a government decree-law aimed at increasing transparency. The Council for Transparency and Good Governance is responsible for managing this public, electronic, and free registry.

Under the new rules, all interest groups—whether individuals, legal entities, or informal networks—must register to exercise influence over the public sector. While the Council has up to three months to resolve applications, the principle of positive administrative silence applies, meaning requests are considered approved if no response is received. Furthermore, groups are permitted to engage in influence activities immediately upon submitting their application.

Public officials and administration personnel are now required to verify that any interest group they interact with has formalized a registration request or has committed to doing so within three business days.

The regulation comes as the lobbying sector in Spain has seen significant growth, with revenues reaching 315 million euros in 2025. The move is also intended to fulfill requirements set by Brussels as part of the European Recovery Plan. However, the decree-law faces opposition from various business interests and must be validated by Congress this month to remain in effect.