BOE-A-2026-18148 ·26 August 2026 ·Royal Decree-Law critical
Corporate

Interest groups: mandatory registration of activities and transparency in public sector relations

Royal Decree-Law 21/2026 establishes a new transparency framework to regulate the relations of interest groups with the public sector, fulfilling Milestone CID 432 of the Recovery Plan (ref. BOE index). The law creates a state register of interest groups and a specific sanctioning regime to ensure that public decision-making processes are open and transparent. Furthermore, it requires identifying the personnel or public officials who have maintained relations with these groups to prevent undue influence.

In 3 key points

  1. Establishment of a specific sanctions regime for infringements committed by interest groups, Title IV (Título IV)
  2. Obligation to identify the staff or public official susceptible to influence in relations with interest groups (Exposición de motivos)
  3. Interconnection of the state register with the registers of other administrations and the EU Transparency Register, additional provision 1 (disposición adicional primera)

How it affects those involved

For stakeholders (companies, associations, or interest groups), the regulation imposes a significant transparency burden by requiring them to register their activities and communications with the Administration. Failure to comply with these registration or transparency obligations triggers a specific sanctions regime managed by the Transparency and Good Governance Council (Title IV). Public Administrations gain enhanced supervisory tools and greater traceability regarding the 'regulatory footprint' and the agendas of senior officials.

Frequently asked questions

What happens if an interest group fails to comply with transparency rules?
A specific sanctions regime defined in Title IV will be applied, the instruction and resolution of which is the responsibility of the Transparency and Good Governance Council.
What information must be included regarding meetings with public officials?
The identity of the staff or public official susceptible to influence must be provided, along with documentation of the contacts, communications, and meetings held (Statement of Motives).

Lifecycle

2026-08-26PublishedPublished in the BOE
Official text Based on BOE data (boe.es). Information, not advice.
PDF on boe.es

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