In 2025, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez once again raised the issue of migration’s impact on Europe’s economy. In his view, if European Union countries close their doors to newcomers, economic development may stall. Sánchez is convinced that growth is simply impossible without migrants’ participation in key industries.
The prime minister paid special attention to sectors where foreigners make up a significant portion of the workforce. In construction, agribusiness, tourism, and the social security system, their share reaches up to 30%. This isn’t just a statistic—it’s about real people who keep these sectors running every day. Sánchez emphasized that without their contribution, Spain and other EU countries risk facing labor shortages and slower development.
According to the prime minister, most migrants come from Latin America, North Africa, and even the United States. Their integration into Spanish society varies, but it is they who often take on the jobs local residents are reluctant to do. This applies both to seasonal work and permanent positions in fields where there is an acute labor shortage.
At the same time, debates on migration policy continue in Spain. Leaders of conservative and far-right parties are calling for tougher measures, including the immediate deportation of undocumented migrants who break the law. Some political groups oppose any expressions of foreign religion or culture. Sánchez, on the other hand, insists that racism and discrimination are incompatible with the country’s democratic values. He emphasizes that Spain must remain a state where rights and freedoms prevail, not hatred and division.
The discussion regarding the role of migrants in the economy and society shows no sign of abating. Amid demographic decline and an aging population, the issue of attracting a workforce grows ever more urgent. Sánchez is convinced that only openness and integration will help maintain economic momentum and avoid stagnation, which threatens not just Spain but the entire European Union.
