Hey, fam! As 2026 kicks off, Europe’s political vibes are shifting. Last year (2025), anti-immigration sentiment went mainstream, with about 37 European nations (including the UK, Denmark and Italy) pushing to tweak the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) to fast-track deportations 🚪✈️.
But Spain? It’s playing a totally different game. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has been crystal clear: immigrants aren’t just a humanitarian must—they’re essential to keep Spain’s economy booming and its welfare state alive 💪🌍.
Here’s the lowdown:
- Spain’s economy grew roughly 3% in 2025—double the EU average 🚀.
- Nearly 1 million undocumented migrants got legal papers over the past three years 📃✅.
- Migrants now make up 25–50% of workers in key sectors like construction and tourism 🏗️🏖️.
We chatted with immigration expert Emilio Ramirez-Matos (Ramirez Crespo Law Firm), who reminds us that Spain has always been Europe’s gateway to Africa and Latin America. 'Migration enriches and keeps the country working,' he says. Instead of hardening policies, Europe needs to fine-tune them for order and fairness ✨.
So, can Spain’s open-door approach survive the far-right push in 2026? It’ll depend on public support, economic needs and how smartly policymakers balance security with compassion 🤔❤️.
What do you think? Drop your thoughts below and let’s keep the convo going! 👇
Reference(s):
Can Spain's open immigration stance survive 2026 and the far right?
cgtn.com
