THE LIBE DRFMG MISSION TO SPAIN ANALYZES THE STATE OF THE RULE OF LAW

Javier Zarzalejos chaired a delegation from the Democracy, Rule of Law and Fundamental Rights Monitoring Group (DRFMG) of the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE) of the European Parliament, which carried out a mission to Madrid from 15 to 18 February 2026 to gather information on the state of the rule of law in Spain.

The purpose of the visit was to collect first-hand information and engage in dialogue with a wide range of stakeholders regarding the most recent legal, institutional, and political developments. The delegation met with civil society organizations, judicial and prosecutors’ associations, representatives of public media outlets, equality bodies, independent authorities, members of the Congress of Deputies, as well as the Office of the Attorney General, the Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office, the Civil Guard, and officials from the Ministry of Justice.

It also held meetings with the Constitutional Court, the Supreme Court, and the General Council of the Judiciary, addressing issues related to judicial independence, institutional functioning, and the balance of powers.

During the meetings, various assessments were presented concerning ongoing reforms, the anti-corruption framework, media freedom and pluralism, and the implementation of equality and non-discrimination policies.

The delegation reiterated that its final assessment will be reflected in the mission report, within the framework of LIBE’s ongoing work to monitor the rule of law and fundamental values in the European Union. The members of the delegation regretted that they were not received by those members of the Government who had been invited.