MADRID: Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has hailed Spain’s approach to immigration as a model for Europe, arguing it has significantly boosted the economy and state finances.
Speaking to Spanish ambassadors, the Socialist premier said migration accounted for 80% of Spain’s economic growth over the past six years.
It also contributes 10% of the country’s social security revenues, according to government figures.
“Spain will continue to defend a migration model that works,” Sanchez stated.
He added this model could “help awaken an ageing Europe.”
The prime minister directly rejected critics who claim Spain’s stance encourages illegal migration.
“Our model works. There is no so called ‘pull effect’,” he said.
Official data shows irregular migrant arrivals to Spain fell by 42.6% in 2025 to 36,775.
This drop was largely due to fewer arrivals on the Atlantic route to the Canary Islands.
Spain has championed legal pathways for migrants while strengthening border controls against irregular migration.
The government has reached cooperation agreements with several African nations to combat people smuggling networks.
As the EU’s fourth-largest economy, Spain has outperformed its peers since 2021.
This growth is supported by tourism, low energy costs, and strong domestic consumption.
The government forecasts the economy expanded by 2.9% in 2025.
This is more than double the average growth rate expected across the eurozone.