Spain’s Transition to Democracy and European Integration
Franco’s dictatorship kept Spain out of major Western international organizations. After democracy’s establishment, Spain integrated into the Council of Europe, NATO, and the European Economic Community (EEC). The 1982 general election, its results, and consequences marked the end of the transition to democracy that began in 1975. The PSOE won a landslide victory, securing the first absolute majority for a political party in democratic Spain. The first socialist government oversaw Spain’s integration into the EEC and NATO.
Incorporation into the EEC
Negotiations started in 1977 under UCD governments but were hampered by French farmers who sought to postpone Spain’s entry. The PSOE achieved full integration, effective January 1, 1986. For President Felipe González, this treaty culminated in overcoming Spain’s long-standing isolation and participating in a shared destiny with other Western European countries. In return, Spain made significant economic concessions, reducing its production. Spain held the EEC presidency for the first time in 1986. The Single European Act, which intensified political cooperation, free movement of people, goods, and services, and created a European Monetary System including the peseta, came into force in 1987. Finally, the Maastricht Treaty, signed on December 11, 1991, in Maastricht, Netherlands, established the European Union.
Main Impacts of Spain’s Integration into Europe
- Free movement of people, goods, and capital among EU countries.
- Technological advancements for Spanish businesses and foreign investors.
- Solidarity and cohesion among richer and poorer countries through EU funding (ERDF for rural infrastructure, ESF for employment, and EAGGF for agriculture).
The monetary union, effective January 1, 2002, introduced the euro, lowering trade costs. However, price alignment across countries led to higher inflation and reduced competitiveness. Politically, the EU increasingly functions as a single entity, with institutions such as:
- The European Council (heads of state and foreign ministers)
- The Council of Ministers
- The Court of Justice
- The European Commission (the Union’s government)
- The European Parliament
Spain’s Entry into NATO
Spain’s NATO entry was controversial. The PSOE’s initial slogan was “NATO, no entry.” However, after its electoral victory, the socialist government reversed its stance, leading to mass demonstrations by pacifist associations, intellectuals, and anti-imperialist groups. The government won the subsequent referendum (60% turnout, 53% yes), but the PSOE lost its left-wing image. With EEC and NATO memberships secured, González called new elections. The PSOE lost over a million votes but retained its majority.
The 1978 Constitution
Spain’s democratic setup established a social and democratic state governed by law, ensuring citizen participation and promoting collective welfare. The 1978 constitution, drafted by a group of seven (three from the ruling CDU and four from the opposition), was approved in July 1978 by the Congress of Deputies, with only the extreme left, Basque nationalists, and some right-wing deputies voting against it. The Senate made some changes, and the final text was approved in October 1978. It’s considered a multilateral consensus, balancing various political viewpoints. The constitution, with 11 titles and 169 articles, protects freedoms (life, physical integrity, liberty, education, social security, religion, expression, assembly, etc.) and established the Ombudsman’s office. Key institutions include the Crown, Parliament, Government, Constitutional Court, and Judiciary. The King is head of state; Parliament drafts legislation; the Government leads the executive; and the Constitutional Court oversees laws.
Territorial Organization of the State: The Autonomous Communities
Title VIII of the Constitution addresses Spain’s territorial organization, balancing national unity with regional autonomy and solidarity. Spain comprises various nationalities and regions with policy-making capacity. Autonomous regions (provinces or groups of provinces) have self-government, assuming certain powers through their statutes. The central government retains exclusive powers in international relations, defense, monetary policy, and finance. Autonomous regions manage their finances, with the constitution establishing an inter-territorial compensation fund to address regional inequalities.