On Tuesday, the Spanish Council of Ministers is expected to approve a new measure that will limit institutional advertising in the media to 35%. This action is part of the broader Public Sector Advertising Law, which is one of 31 reforms outlined in the Democracy Action Plan launched by the government in September 2024. Officials from the Ministry of Digital Transformation and Public Function have confirmed this development, aiming for greater transparency regarding advertising expenditures by the state, autonomous communities, and municipalities in Spain.

This legislative move is in compliance with the recent European law on Media Freedom, which became applicable to all 27 EU member states on August 8. By implementing this new guideline, the Spanish government seeks to provide clearer insights into the advertising budgets allocated by various levels of government. The initiative is expected to enhance accountability and foster a more equitable media landscape by curtailing the influence of state advertising on media outlets.

Furthermore, the European regulations mandate the disclosure of media ownership and funding sources, which aims to promote transparency and prevent potential conflicts of interest. The implications of this policy may significantly alter the dynamics of how institutional advertising operates within Spain, raising questions about the future funding and operation of various media entities and their dependence on state support.