Spain’s Socio-Economic Integration Within the European Union
The creation of wealth has allowed Spain to increase social stability and has provided services to companies. Furthermore, European companies have established themselves in Spain, viewing it as an optimal market for their products.
The Use of European Funds
From an economic perspective, the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) has been crucial. From a social and cultural perspective, the European Social Fund (ESF) is dedicated to providing scholarships for young Erasmus students and promoting equality between men and women in health. There is also a card that allows healthcare access in any hospital in the EU.
Community Initiatives
Community initiatives are a series of special programs that the European Commission proposes to Member States to help solve serious problems affecting the whole EU. The implementation of these initiatives has benefited Spain. Highlights:
- INTERREG: Promotes cross-border, transnational, and interregional cooperation for the regions at the periphery of the union.
- LEADER: Promotes strategies to foster development in rural areas.
- EQUAL: Aims to combat discrimination in the labor market.
- URBAN: Seeks to regenerate urban neighborhoods.
Spain in the Context of EU Countries
To compare the situation in Spain with other EU countries, several indicators are taken into account:
- GDP per capita: The value of the production of wealth divided by the inhabitants of one year.
- Population density: Number of inhabitants per km2.
- The unemployment rate.
Spain’s Population and Surface Area
Spain holds a leading position in the EU in terms of population and surface area. It is the fifth most populous country after Germany, France, the UK, and Italy. The EU, in general, is a crowded space, with an average density of about 120 inhabitants per km2. Whether the population density is high or low, governments must ensure the existence and maintenance of public services to avoid economic inequalities.
Economic Activity in Europe
In Europe, firms and institutions with the highest rates of technological and scientific advances are located, but at the same time, there are still areas where traditional forms of agriculture and industry persist, and where services are poorly developed.
The proposed homogenization of EU policies could enable new technological advances to reach a more egalitarian way across the continent.
GDP After EU Membership
Ten years after EU membership and receiving a large amount of funds to help economic development, Spain was still below the European average and stood in the group of less wealthy countries of the union with Portugal and Greece. In 2008, it came to exceed the European average wealth.
Activity Rate: Labor Force and Unemployment
Denmark, the Netherlands, Sweden, and the UK are above 70% (EU average 63%). Spain stands below 60%. The European average of people in unemployment is 9%, mostly in Spain, France, and Germany, which were slightly higher.
Education
Education is the key to the success of each country. The resources devoted to education in proportion to the total public expenditure of a country is an important indicator of social, economic, and political progress. Those who invest more in education are Denmark, Sweden, and Finland. Spain is a little below. The least are Luxembourg and Greece.
The Human Development Index
The HDI is an index currently appreciated. Spain occupies the 13th place of the world total, and the sixth in the EU, after Ireland, Sweden, Netherlands, France, and Finland.
Public Opinion on the EU
Support of public opinion in the EU varies between countries. According to surveys, compliance with EU membership is lower in countries that have just entered the EU. The higher the degree of support is given by the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Ireland, and originating members. In all cases, the perception is very positive because they are contributing to their economic and political stability. Spain is satisfied but their arguments criticize the excessive bureaucracy, alienation with the problems, and the lack of democracy in the election of the council and the European Commission.