Spain’s Four-Decade Economic Leap and Evolving Labor Landscape
Spain’s economy has grown massively over 40 years with EU integration, while regional labor policies now emphasize quality work and migrant contributions.
- • Spain’s GDP increased 6.5 times since EEC entry in 1986.
- • Employment nearly doubled from 11 million to over 21 million workers.
- • European funds contributed over €185 billion to Spain’s public investment.
- • Basque Country processed 11,171 work permits since July 2025 with 85% tied to social labor relations.
- • Government priorities include decent work conditions and social cohesion, especially for migrant workers.
Key details
Spain has transformed remarkably since its 1986 entry into the European Economic Community, evolving from a fragile economy reliant on pesetas to a modern, robust member of the eurozone. Spanish GDP has surged 6.5 times over 40 years, while employment figures have nearly doubled from about 11 million to over 21 million workers. Spanish Eurodeputy Sandra Gómez highlights this shift from instability to a modern open economy, with the 2002 euro introduction stabilizing inflation despite initial fears.
European funds have been pivotal, injecting over €35 billion from the European Social Fund and €150 billion in cohesion funds, supporting growth and public investment. Exports have also flourished, increasing from under 5% to nearly 9% of GDP.
Concurrently, regional initiatives like those in Euskadi are harnessing migration to further economic vitality. Since July 2025, Basque authorities have processed over 11,100 work permits, with 85% based on social labor ties, ensuring quality employment contracts. Vicelehendakari Mikel Torres reports a strong economy marked by record Social Security registrations and a 5.4% rise in self-employed foreign workers, with migrants integral to key sectors such as hospitality and construction.
Torres emphasizes the government's dedication to safeguarding decent work conditions, denying permits to unfair contracts, and aiming to strengthen social cohesion and job quality. This nuanced blend of longstanding European integration and proactive labor management underpins Spain's sustained economic progress and social inclusion.
This article was translated and synthesized from Spanish sources, providing English-speaking readers with local perspectives.
