Spain is a large and highly biodiverse country, where the implementation of EU environmental law and policy has contributed to preserving and improving the environment.
Nevertheless, Spain still faces considerable environmental challenges and investment needs, in particular in the areas of water and waste management, biodiversity, air quality, and enforcement.
Highlights
A specific division on the implementation of the ‘do no significant harm’ (DNSH) principle has been created within the Ministry for the Ecological Transition to advise and support the different actors during the implementation of the measures included in the Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP), including drawing up guidance in this regard.
Spain has progressed and is performing quite well in the implementation of the INSPIRE Directive.
Spain has a strong experience and performance in preparing and managing projects co-financed by the LIFE Programme.
Main Challenges
Circular economy
Despite some progress, waste management remains a significant challenge. Spain is one of the countries that missed the EU target of recycling 50% of municipal waste by 2020 and it is at high risk of missing the new EU waste targets for 2025. Achieving the next targets will require further effort.
Pollution
Despite the progress made, on water management, many challenges remain, especially in the areas of water governance, water body rehabilitation and water efficiency. Further infrastructure investment is needed in many areas.
Nature and biodiversity
In terms of natural capital, the main challenge is the adoption of site-specific conservation objectives and measures, as well as the allocation of sufficient resources to manage the Natura 2000 network of protected areas. Spain could further capitalise on its very valuable natural capital to promote green growth and job creation.
Governance and investment
EU funding has significantly contributed to improving the implementation of EU environmental law and policy in Spain. However, Spain still faces considerable environmental challenges and investment needs. The investment gap to meet Spain’s environmental objectives is an estimated €10.8 billion per year, around 0.81% of the national GDP, which is higher than the EU-average (0.77%), with the highest share for biodiversity and ecosystems.
There is room to improve the coordination and cooperation among the competent environmental authorities. In addition, sustainable development could be further mainstreamed into other policy areas.