Spain remains, for another year, one of the European Union countries where people express the highest level of skepticism toward the judicial system. A recent report on the state of justice in Europe reveals that half of Spaniards consider the independence of judges and magistrates to be bad or quite bad, while 37% view it as good or quite good. Although there has been some improvement, these figures still lag behind many peers, with Croatia, Bulgaria, Poland, Slovakia, Greece, and Italy reporting higher levels of concern. The dominant cited reason is government and political interference or pressure.
In the previous year’s data, Spain showed an even grimmer picture, with 56% labeling judicial independence as bad or quite bad. While progress has been made, Spain remains toward the lower end of the EU spectrum, where some countries are moving in a more favorable direction. Hungary stands out, having been cited for challenges to the rule of law and now ahead of Spain with 49% of respondents rating judicial health as bad or very bad, a reflection of ongoing EU sanctions concerns.
Government Interference and Public Trust
The central argument fueling distrust across Europe, including Spain, is perceived interference or pressure from governments and politicians. A majority of Europeans, about 51%, say this factor explains much of the mistrust, and in Spain the figure climbs to roughly two out of three Spaniards. Additional concerns cited include the influence of economic interests and the belief that the status or standing of judges does not sufficiently guarantee independence.
In contrast, some member states consistently report higher confidence in their judicial systems. Denmark, Finland, Austria, Sweden, Luxembourg, Germany, Ireland, and the Netherlands frequently appear at the top of trust rankings. Overall, about half of EU residents rate their own judicial system as good with independence in mind, while roughly 37% consider it poor to very poor. The European Union’s overall assessment, based on a Eurobarometer survey conducted in February, indicates a general improvement in perceptions of judicial independence among both citizens and businesses, including among nations that previously faced systemic challenges.
Experts within the EU note that independence of the judiciary is essential for ensuring the protection of rights guaranteed by EU law and for upholding the rule of law. The European Commission stresses that safeguarding the EU legal order is crucial for people and businesses whose rights and freedoms are protected by community law. The report also highlights Spain as one of the countries where litigations historically take longer to resolve, a trend that factors into perceptions of judicial efficiency and independence.
These observations align with broader regional patterns: while some member states show stronger trust, others continue to grapple with perceived pressures that can undermine confidence in judicial outcomes. The Commission’s findings emphasize ongoing improvements, yet they also underscore areas where reforms and transparency measures could further reinforce the integrity and autonomy of the courts across Europe.