The introduction of a new decree for the mass legalization of migrants in Spain has become one of the most talked-about topics in Europe. For Spaniards, this decision signals potential changes in social policy, finances, and relations with neighboring EU countries. The issue affects not only domestic politics, but also trust in Spain as a partner in the European Union.
According to Ale Espanol, thirteen heads of government from European countries have voiced their dissatisfaction with the actions of the Spanish cabinet. They believe Madrid disregarded pan-European migration agreements and failed to coordinate its steps with other states. Among the most vocal critics are Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Germany’s Chancellor Friedrich Merz. In their view, unilateral decisions could undermine trust in Spain and create additional challenges for the entire European Union.
Europe’s response
Brussels is already preparing to address this issue at the upcoming EU Council meeting. National leaders fear that mass legalization will lead to an increase in migrant numbers and put added pressure on social systems. Representatives of the European People’s Party argue that Madrid’s actions contradict the principles of a unified migration policy. In particular, they point to a lack of coordination and transparency in the decree’s preparation.
A key argument raised by opponents of the decree was the urgency of its adoption. The document was approved without thorough debate in parliament and without consultations with regional authorities. This sparked discontent not only in Brussels but also among Spain’s autonomous communities. Opposition representatives believe that such moves could lead to chaos in resource allocation and complicate the work of healthcare, education, and social support services.
Internal disputes
Domestically, the decree sparked lively debate. The opposition and several regional governments stated they were neither invited to discuss the matter nor given information about the financial implications. According to them, there is no precise data on the number of people who could obtain legal status. This creates uncertainty for budget planning and for distributing responsibilities among the regions.
The document verification system is a particular source of concern. The draft decree allows criminal records certificates to be replaced by personal statements and does not require documents from transit countries. Critics argue this may facilitate fraud and hinder security controls. Additionally, simply proving residence in Spain by the end of 2025 and having lived in the country for five months is enough to qualify for legalization. The opposition believes these conditions could encourage illegal schemes and the activities of criminal groups.
Economic risks
The government claims that the decree will not lead to significant budget expenditures. However, the opposition insists that additional costs for healthcare, education, and housing are inevitable. In their view, the lack of a clear estimate of the number of migrants to be legalized makes the situation even more complex. Regional authorities fear that without additional funding, they will have to redistribute already limited resources.
Another point of contention was the procedure for adopting the decree. The opposition argues that there were no extraordinary circumstances justifying the urgency. Legislative initiatives on this issue were discussed in parliament back in the spring of 2024, leaving enough time for coordination with the regions. Nevertheless, the government chose to act swiftly, which caused dissatisfaction and suspicions of an attempt to avoid a broad debate.
In recent years, issues of migration and the legalization of foreigners have repeatedly sparked heated debates in Spain and other EU countries. For example, in 2023, Italy tightened rules for receiving migrants, triggering a wave of protests and discussions at the EU level. In 2024, France faced criticism over changes in asylum laws. Such decisions always provoke strong reactions both within the countries and among European partners, highlighting the complexity of balancing humanity with security.
