New Royal Decree-Law 21/2026 on transparency and integrity in the activities of interest groups

On 26 August, Royal Decree-Law 21/2026 of 25 August on transparency and integrity in the activities of interest groups was published in the Official State Gazette (BOE), establishing Spain’s first general national framework for regulating lobbying activities. Within the sphere of the General State Administration and its institutional public sector, the legislation governs the relationship between interest groups and public officials and/or public office holders who may be subject to influence, with the aim of ensuring transparency, accountability, integrity, traceability and equal opportunities in lobbying.

Key new features include the creation of a nationwide, public and mandatory Register of Interest Groups; the establishment of principles of conduct that interest groups must observe; the introduction of the “regulatory footprint” report as a mechanism for tracing the influence exerted on draft legislation; and the adoption of a specific penalty regime, with infringements classified as minor, serious or very serious and fines of up to EUR 40,000.

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