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: Challenges for the Spanish economy
11/11/2025
Spain faces a structural challenge: the small size of its firms. This limitation curtails productivity, innovation and employment. Why do our firms grow less than European ones? Understanding this is key to building a more dynamic and productive economy.
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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.
19/10/2023
The digital euro: what is it and what’s in it for us
The growing use of electronic means of payment, such as cards and mobile payments, has led the Eurosystem to consider issuing a digital euro to complement cash. Here we explain what a digital euro would be and its advantages if eventually adopted.
11/10/2023
Who (really) foots the tax bill?
Taxpayers can sometimes pass at least some of their tax burden on to others. Understanding who really bears the cost is key to improving the Spanish tax system. Encouraging micro data-based research into “tax incidence” would be helpful.
29/09/2023
The Banco de España raises the capital buffers for systemic banks
Systemic banks are key for the stability of the financial system. They are thus subject to specific additional regulatory capital buffers. For 2024 onwards, the Banco de España has raised the minimum buffers for Santander and BBVA, in line with the new framework set in place by the ECB.
20/09/2023
The costs of inflation warrant the firm monetary response. What lies ahead?
The Governor, Pablo Hernández de Cos, kicks off our blog, explaining the importance of keeping inflation under control, as well as the firm monetary policy response and how it may evolve going forward. The benefits of price stability outweigh the short-term costs of temporarily high interest rates.
