Using a simple format and plain language, the Banco de España Blog seeks to make our work more accessible to the general public. It allows us to share our analysis of economic and financial issues and the ins and outs of the Banco de España’s tasks and activities with all those keen to learn more.
The Blog series group together posts covering certain similar topics. Further down is a general listing of all Blog posts, with a search function to help readers find the posts they are interested in.
Series: Treasures of the Banco de España
10/10/2025
The Banco de España is opening its doors to you if you are keen to explore the history, architecture and art collection of this institution dating back more than 200 years. Join us for guided tours of the building.
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27/02/2024
What does a shrinking central bank balance sheet mean for your pocket?
The balance sheets of the European Central Bank (ECB) and the other euro area central banks have been shrinking since 2022 due to the phasing out of the past decade’s expansionary monetary policy measures. This has an impact on interest rates in the economy and therefore affects everyone directly.
21/02/2024
Independent evaluations: a tool for transparency, improvement and modernisation
The Banco de España is conducting independent evaluations of its functions and activities through its Evaluation and Strategic Planning Office. This initiative places us at the vanguard of central banking in key aspects such as continuous improvement and transparency.
19/02/2024
Researcher access to public institutions’ micro data: a win-win scenario
Four years ago, the Banco de España opened its data laboratory BELab, to provide the research community with access to a wealth of micro data. We are now taking the next step to make a much broader range of data available to researchers through an ambitious agreement with other Spanish public institutions.
31/01/2024
The Red Sea crisis is driving up global shipping costs. However, our bottleneck indicator suggests that, for the time being, the economic impact is limited compared with other previous episodes. In any event, developments must be closely monitored. Our daily bottleneck indicator enables us to track the situation in real time.
22/01/2024
A treasure in the Library: the manuscript of Cantillon’s Essai, the first modern economic treatise Series: Treasures of the Banco de España
The Banco de España’s Library houses a late 18th-century manuscript of the first known Spanish translation of Richard Cantillon’s Essai sur la nature du commerce en général. This work is considered to be the cradle of modern economics.
20/12/2023
Suptech: how innovative technology helps us supervise banks
The Banco de España seeks to promote innovative technology. Incorporating suptech into supervisory activity is a top priority. One of the pillars of our strategy is to capitalise on our rich data sources using tools like artificial intelligence (AI).
12/12/2023
Is reducing carbon emissions compatible with economic growth?
Squaring lower carbon emissions with growth requires energy efficiency to be improved and energy to be “decarbonised”. Headway on these fronts since the early 21st century has helped reduce emissions in Spain and Europe, but we must go much further if we are to achieve our climate targets.
27/11/2023
40 years of quality statistics on Spanish firms
The Banco de España’s Central Balance Sheet Data Office was launched in 1983 to create and maintain highly detailed databases on Spanish firms. It has since become a benchmark for statistical information and research on the Spanish business sector thanks to the wealth and quality of its data.
15/11/2023
The banking union: what is it and how does it benefit us?
While incomplete, the banking union is already a reality and a key component of European integration. But what is it? Why does it matter? And how does it benefit us? The Deputy Governor answers these questions and looks at what still needs to be done.
25/10/2023
Which ECB interest rate affects my loan or mortgage?
The European Central Bank sets three key interest rates. We explain which of these three currently affects the cost of our loans and mortgages most directly. Funnily enough, it’s not the one the media focus on most.
