On June 11, Spain commemorated forty years since signing the Treaty of Accession to the European Economic Community, now the European Union.
Since joining on January 1, 1986, Spain has undergone a deep and lasting transformation in its agriculture, fisheries, and food sectors, reshaping the country’s role as a major player in the European and global agri-food market.
From Isolation to Integration
Spain’s accession came after years of complex negotiations, particularly around sensitive areas like agriculture and fisheries. The entry process included transitional measures and customs restrictions, some lasting up to ten years, as in the case of vegetables. Spain did not fully integrate into the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) until 1995, delaying access to full EU support mechanisms.
In the fisheries sector, Spain faced even greater challenges. The principle of “relative stability” limited Spanish fishing quotas and barred its fleet from operating in northern European waters like the Baltic and North Seas. Although Spain has defended its maritime interests at the Court of Justice of the EU, the original restrictions remain in place, shaping the structure of the modern Spanish fleet.
A Sector Reborn: Growth by the Numbers
In 1985, just before accession, Spain’s agricultural exports stood at EUR 4.09 billion, slightly exceeding imports of EUR 3.9 billion. At the time, agriculture contributed 6.9% of the national GDP, with a total production value of EUR 8.9 billion.
Fast forward to 2024, and the picture is vastly different:
- Total agricultural production value: EUR 68.34 billion
- Agricultural income: EUR 37.759 billion
- Agri-food trade surplus: EUR 18.044 billion
- Record exports: EUR 71.194 billion
- Primary sector’s share of GDP: now just 2.7%
Spain is now the second-largest agri-food exporter in the EU, trailing only the Netherlands, a testament to the modernization and competitiveness of its primary sector.
Adapting Through Restructuring
The evolution has not come without hardship. The dairy sector experienced intense restructuring under EU directives, and the Spanish fishing fleet, once referred to as the “Spanish Armada”, has shrunk by 28% since 2000, now numbering 8,432 vessels. This downsizing was necessary to align with EU environmental, sustainability, and international fisheries agreements.
Despite restrictions, Spain now leads the EU in fishing capacity and actively combats illegal fishing, with ports under close scrutiny from both government and NGOs. Past flashpoints like the “halibut war” and disputes with Morocco over fishing rights remain part of the sector’s complex legacy.
Political Tensions and Strategic Leadership
Spain’s agricultural integration into the EU also sparked tensions. In the 1990s, fruit transporters were attacked while crossing the Pyrenees—a symptom of cross-border resentment. Today, Spain takes a leading role in EU agricultural alliances, though friction persists, especially amid pan-European farmer protests, rising input costs, and tariff changes—including those driven by US policy.
External shocks, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine, have also impacted food security, grain markets, and trade dynamics. Spanish farmers continue to push back against evolving CAP requirements and international competition.
Looking Ahead: CAP Reform and Future Challenges
As the EU debates the next Common Agricultural Policy budget (2028–2034), Spain finds itself at a crossroads. While the country has thrived in exports and agri-food diplomacy, challenges remain. The transition to sustainable farming, climate change adaptation, and food sovereignty debates will shape Spain’s next chapter in its EU agricultural journey.
Four decades in, Spain has emerged as a key force in European agri-food policy, balancing tradition and innovation, and positioning itself as a global leader in agriculture and fisheries.
Source: Vinetur