The most recent comprehensive analysis of volunteering in Spain provided by the report Voluntary Action 2022 (La Acción Voluntaria 2022), published by the Plataforma del Voluntariado de España. It presents updated data on volunteer demographics and emerging trends, serving as a reference point for ongoing discussions about reforms in the sector.

In line with the Action Plan 22-24 of the Youth Strategy 2030, policy efforts continue to focus on maximising the impact of youth volunteering. A key objective under Axis 6 of the Strategy is to strengthen the recognition and accreditation of competences gained through volunteering. This includes national initiatives such as the Recognise Project (Proyecto Reconoce), which formally certifies skills acquired in volunteering contexts, contributing to youth employability and social inclusion .

Recent Developments (2023–2025)

• New National Volunteering Strategy (in progress): The General State Administration is currently drafting a new National Volunteering Strategy, as the previous national framework concluded in 2014. This upcoming strategy is expected to guide the development of volunteering policies across sectors and levels of government.
• National Volunteering Plan 2030: In parallel to the government’s efforts, the Spanish Volunteering Platform (Plataforma del Voluntariado de España) published the National Volunteering Plan 2030 (Plan Nacional del Voluntariado 2030). Although not an official government strategy, this document outlines a long-term vision for volunteering in Spain and proposes strategic priorities for the sector, including youth engagement, digital transformation, and inclusive participation. 
• Rising Participation in Volunteering: According to data from 2024, over 4.2 million people in Spain—approximately 10.1% of the population aged 14 and over—are engaged in volunteering. This marks a notable increase from previous years, reflecting a positive trend in civic participation and public interest in voluntary activities.
• Growth of Digital Volunteering: An emerging theme in Spain’s volunteering ecosystem is the expansion of digital volunteering (e-volunteering). Initiatives are being developed to train both volunteers and professionals in digital tools and methods, increasing accessibility and enabling broader participation—particularly among youth and remote populations.
• European Youth Event (EYE) 2025 Volunteer Opportunities: In January 2025, Spanish youth aged 18–31 were invited to apply for volunteer opportunities for the European Youth Event (EYE) 2025, organized by the European Parliament. This event aims to foster active youth participation in European affairs, offering significant volunteering roles for young Spaniards.

Parliamentary Debate and Legal Implementation

At the political level, during the XIV Legislature (2019-2023), the political group Ciudadanos presented a proposal on 13 February 2020 a proposal for a "Law for the Promotion and Recognition of Patronage, Micropatronage and Volunteering". However, this proposal has since expired.

In November 2024, the PSOE presented a non-legislative proposal (Proposición no de Ley) in the Spanish Congress to create a unified digital platform to facilitate access to volunteering opportunities for young people, particularly at the European and international levels. This proposal aligns with the European Youth Strategy and aims to modernize the legal framework set by Law 45/2015 on Volunteering. Key aspects of the proposal include:

• Digital Access: Establishing a centralized platform for volunteering opportunities.
• Youth Engagement: Fostering youth participation in volunteering, especially through European and international projects.
• Third Sector Collaboration: Addressing the needs of volunteering organizations to enhance the impact of youth engagement.

This proposal represents a step toward expanding and modernizing youth volunteering in Spain.