New action plan against hate crime and research on migrant inclusion in Spain

New action plan against hate crime

The recently introduced 'Third action plan to combat hate crimes 2025-2028 ' (III Plan de Acción de Lucha Contra los Delitos de Odio 2025-2028) plays a crucial role in advancing the protection and integration of migrant communities in Spain.

The migrant population represents approximately 15% of the country's total population and while many migrants contribute significantly to the country's social, cultural, and economic fabric, they often face heightened vulnerability to discrimination and xenophobia. Hate crimes related to a person's racial or ethnic origin, nationality, or religion continue to be among the most frequently reported incidents in the country.

The action plan therefore plays a crucial role in advancing the protection and integration of migrant communities. By reinforcing institutional mechanisms for prevention, reporting, and support, the plan addresses both the structural and immediate challenges faced by immigrants. It promotes intercultural awareness among public officials and law enforcement, expands cooperation with migrant associations and civil society organisations, and strengthens protocols to assist victims in a culturally sensitive and accessible manner. The total estimated economic resources associated with the development of the plan and its measures for the period 2025 to 2028 amount to EUR 1 432 570.

Diverse perspectives to build welcoming communities

A 2024 report byCOCEDER (Confederación de Centros de Desarrollo Rural), entitled 'Analysis of attitudes toward migrants among professionals in rural areas', evaluates the impact of awareness-raising and training activities aimed at professionals who work directly with migrant populations in rural areas of Spain.

The study focuses on the effectiveness of the "Miradas diversas para construir comunidades acogedoras" programme, co-financed by the Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security and Migration and the EU. It finds that overall, professional training in rural areas contributes to reducing manifest prejudice and fostering egalitarian attitudes towards migrants. It recommends that future interventions be more interactive, context-sensitive, and aimed at long-term cultural change, reinforcing rural communities as inclusive spaces for all residents.

Report on enhancing the political inclusion of migrants

The recently published REPCHANCE Spain report analyses the representation of immigrant-origin citizens in Spanish politics. The report offers a comprehensive and longitudinal analysis of the extent to which Spain's political institutions reflect the country's growing demographic diversity, and provides a comparative lens through which to assess Spain's performance relative to its European counterparts.

The research aims to inform policy and institutional reform by identifying structural and informal mechanisms that either facilitate or hinder the political representation of minority groups in Spain's democratic institutions. Targeted policy recommendations made in the report include the democratisation of internal structures to allow broader participation and visibility of immigrant-origin candidates, the strengthening of anti-racism organisations and support for civic education on political rights and participation, and the development of structured training for elected officials, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds.