How Spain Has Changed After 40 Years in the EU

Forty years ago, Spain took a decisive step toward modernisation and international integration. On 1 January 1986, the country became a member of the European Communities (EC), the predecessor of today’s European Union. At that time, Spain’s gross domestic product (GDP) was six times lower than it is today, and Europe consisted of just 12 member states. Today, the EU has grown to 27 countries, and Spain’s economic and social development has been remarkable.

Since joining the EC, Spain’s GDP has increased from €243.4 billion to €1,594.3 billion in 2024. Employment has almost doubled over the same period, rising from 10.8 million jobs in 1986 to 21.1 million in 2024.

Economic Integration and Growth

EU membership has given Spain access to the single market, one of the world’s largest economic areas. Today, 67 percent of Spain’s agricultural exports are destined for other EU countries. Total exports have grown from €12.6 billion in 1986 (4.9 percent of GDP) to €141.5 billion in 2024 (8.9 percent of GDP).

Since becoming a member, Spain has received around €150 billion in EU funding from various programmes and funds. These resources have helped more than seven million households gain access to broadband in recent years through EU regional funds. In addition, nearly €6.7 billion has been invested in high-speed rail since 2007.

Agriculture, Fisheries and Regional Development

Spain is the second-largest recipient of funding from the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy. More than half a million Spanish farmers receive EU support every year. The fisheries sector has also benefited significantly, receiving €4.7 billion in financial support for more than 120,000 projects.

Education, Research and Mobility

Since the launch of the Erasmus programme in 1995, more than 1.6 million young people have had the opportunity to study in other EU countries. At the same time, Spain welcomes around 40,000 international students each year.

In the field of research, Spanish scientists have received over €17 billion in funding from Horizon Europe. This support has enabled more than 30,000 researchers to complete projects that benefit Europe as a whole.

Population, Living Standards and Crisis Support

When Spain applied for EC membership in 1985, the country had a population of 38.4 million. Today, it has grown to 49.1 million. Life expectancy has also increased significantly, from 76 to 83 years.

Spain has received substantial EU assistance in response to natural disasters such as wildfires and floods. Following the storm in Valencia in 2024 alone, €3 billion in support was provided.

Spain’s Role in the EU

Since 1986, three Spaniards have served as President of the European Parliament: Enrique Barón (1989–1992), José María Gil-Robles (1997–1999), and Josep Borrell (2004–2007).

Spain is also home to one of the EU’s Joint Research Centres, located in Seville, as well as five European agencies: the European Fisheries Control Agency in Vigo, the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work in Bilbao, the European Union Intellectual Property Office in Alicante, Fusion for Energy in Barcelona, and the EU Satellite Centre in Torrejón de Ardoz.

What Do Spaniards Themselves Think?

But how do Spaniards themselves view EU membership? In 1990, 51 percent of Spaniards believed that their country had benefited from being part of the EU. According to the Eurobarometer 2025, support has grown significantly: 74 percent of Spaniards now believe that Spain is better able to face the future as a member of the EU than outside it.