Spain and the climate transition: legislative advances and institutional challenges within the framework of public law
Abstract
This article analyzes the evolution of Spain’s climate law framework from 2014 to 2024, focusing on major legislative and policy reforms aimed at meeting international and European climate commitments. Using regulatory analysis and expert consultation, the study examines key milestones, including Law 7/2021 on Climate Change and Energy Transition, the National Integrated Energy and Climate Plan (PNIEC) 2023–2030 and the 2050 Decarbonization Strategy. The findings highlight significant progress, such as the integration of climate justice and human rights into environmental legislation. However, persistent challenges remain, including administrative complexity, insufficient coordination among government levels and uneven regulatory implementation. The study concludes that, although Spain has notably strengthened its climate legal framework, further efforts are needed to clarify institutional roles, streamline procedures and boost financing and innovation to achieve effective climate action.
Received: 05.09.2025
Accepted: 22.10.2025
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Last update: 08/02/2022
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