Europe notes that Spain has made progress in environmental matters, but it is still insufficient.

Despite being one of the most biodiverse countries in Europe and having a long history of implementing environmental policies, Spain still faces significant ecological challenges, according to the fourth Environmental Implementation Review published by the European Commission. The report, which tracks how each country implements European environmental regulations —one of the most ambitious regulations internationally—highlights that European Union environmental legislation and policies have contributed to preserving and improving the environment in Spain. However, it warns that significant investment needs and structural challenges persist in key sectors such as water and waste management, biodiversity, air quality, and environmental governance.

One of the positive aspects of the report is the creation of a dedicated division within the Ministry for Ecological Transition, tasked with overseeing the implementation of the "do no significant harm" principle, a key pillar of the Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP). This unit has also developed guidelines to help authorities and stakeholders properly implement the plan's measures.

Spain is also performing well in implementing the INSPIRE Directive, which focuses on geographic information for environmental management, and stands out for its experience in preparing and managing projects co-financed by the European LIFE program.

But not everything in the report is positive. The document points out that the circular economy remains an unresolved issue, as Spain has not met the EU target of recycling 50% of municipal waste by 2020 and is at high risk of not meeting the 55% target set for 2025. In fact, according to the latest available data, dating from 2023, recycling in our country stands at around 39%, far short of European aspirations. According to the report, achieving these goals will require significant reinforcement of policies, infrastructure, and public awareness.

Regarding water pollution and management, the report warns of deficiencies in governance, water reclamation, and water use efficiency. Many regions still need urgent investment in water infrastructure.

Regarding nature and biodiversity, the main challenge lies in the lack of conservation objectives and measures tailored to each protected area. The need to allocate more resources to the effective management of the Natura 2000 network, a group of areas designated for their high ecological value, is also highlighted. According to Brussels, Spain could make much better use of its "valuable natural capital" as a driver of green growth and job creation.

The report also quantifies the economic needs: Spain needs to invest an additional €10.8 billion annually—equivalent to 0.81% of its GDP—to meet its environmental goals. This figure is slightly higher than the European average (0.77%) and is particularly concentrated in the areas of biodiversity and ecosystems.

Furthermore, the European Commission recommends improving coordination between environmental authorities and promoting a deeper integration of sustainable development into all areas of public policy.

Although the challenges are significant, existing advances and structures—such as the RRP and European funds—offer a solid foundation for Spain to accelerate its ecological transition. With the right focus on governance, strategic investment, and rigorous regulatory compliance, the country could consolidate its position as an environmental leader in Europe.