Overview

• In a closed hearing on May 27, ADE joined CSIF, Fedeca and CCOO before the Congress Foreign Affairs Commission to warn of a diplomatic service in “critical” condition due to outdated rules and staffing shortages.
• ADE president Alberto Virella highlighted that Spain fields fewer than 1,000 diplomats for 49 million citizens, compared with 1,700 in Poland and 1,300 in Denmark.
• Union representatives accused the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of failing to comply with the 2014 Law on Foreign Action and Service and of management decisions that worsened long-standing neglect.
• Diplomats welcomed a €115 million consular digitalization plan but cautioned it diverts personnel from overstretched posts and creates short-term operational challenges.
• Sumar spokesperson Agustín Santos called for a parliamentary subcommittee to draft a modern diplomatic statute and secure additional funding.