Spain’s minimum income scheme

Question for written answer E-003903/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Rosa Estaràs Ferragut (PPE), Alma Ezcurra Almansa (PPE), Fernando Navarrete Rojas (PPE)

Spain's minimum income scheme has significant shortcomings. Pathways to integration in the labour market are not effectively tied in with receiving the benefit, nor are there any clear incentives to stop relying on welfare. Moreover, the lack of adequate control mechanisms has given rise to potential fraud, including cases where foreigners continue, despite having lost their right of residence, to receive the benefit.

Following a proposal from the Commission, the Council adopted, in 2023, the Recommendation on adequate minimum income ensuring active inclusion, setting out clear principles:

i) to require, as a condition for receiving the benefit, the length of legal residence to be proportionate;

ii) to promote labour market activation, removing barriers to re-enter and remain in employment; and

iii) to inform the Commission at regular intervals on the measures taken to implement the Recommendation.

The Spanish Independent Authority for Fiscal Responsibility (AIReF) has issued its fourth opinion on the subject, and in light of that opinion, it is clear that Spain's minimum income scheme in its current form does not meet those criteria. In the framework of the European Semester and of the implementation of the European Pillar of Social Rights, how does the Commission intend to reflect those shortcomings in its assessment and in its dialogue with the Spanish Government?

Submitted: 4.10.2025