Spain’s Ministry of Consumer Affairs has unveiled an ambitious new bill aimed at tightening consumer protections in a rapidly evolving digital and climate-conscious world. The proposed law would ban the resale of concert and event tickets for profit, and prohibit the advertising of fossil fuel-based products, including domestic flights, petrol and diesel cars, and certain energy services.
The draft bill, described as one of the most progressive of its kind in Europe, also proposes restrictions on so-called “greenwashing” — outlawing misleading marketing that exaggerates environmental benefits. For example, adverts claiming a product is “100 % eco-friendly” would be subject to strict evidence requirements. The legislation further aims to curb fear-based advertising tactics, particularly those that manipulate anxiety around ageing, body image, or security.
Minister of Consumer Affairs Pablo Bustinduy stated that the bill reflects a “21st-century view of consumption,” designed to protect individuals from economic, environmental, and psychological manipulation. “This law defends the interests of the many against the abuses of the few,” he said.
The legislation will now proceed to parliamentary debate, but faces an uncertain path. The current government lacks a clear majority, and conservative opposition parties have already criticised the proposals as “ideological overreach” and “anti-market.”
Nonetheless, public support appears strong, especially among environmental groups and music fans. Many young people have voiced frustration over concert tickets being bought in bulk and resold online for inflated prices, sometimes tripling their face value within minutes of release.
If passed, the new law would bring Spain into line with similar consumer frameworks under discussion in France and Germany, while going further in its climate-linked provisions.
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