Foreign Affairs celebrates LGBTI+ Pride and flies the rainbow flag at its headquarters

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation, José Manuel Albares, has reaffirmed Spain's commitment to the defence and promotion of LGBTI+ rights as part of the International LGBTI+ Pride Day celebration. The Ministry is marking this day by lighting up the façades of its Marqués de Salamanca and Palacio de Santa Cruz headquarters, as well as by flying the rainbow flag.

Albares emphasised the importance of continuing to move towards a freer, more inclusive and more equal society, both within Spain and beyond its borders. In this regard, he recalled that "Spain maintains an active foreign policy in defence of equality and non-discrimination worldwide."

In 2026, Spain ranks first in ILGA-Europe’s Rainbow Map & Index for the first time in its history, consolidating its position as a European benchmark for LGBTI+ rights. This leadership is underpinned by a sustained track record of progress, including the legalisation of equal marriage in 2005, which made Spain the third country in the world to recognise this right.

The Minister pointed out that these achievements are the result of the joint efforts of institutions and civil society, whose role remains essential in consolidating and expanding rights. Albares recently held a meeting with leading LGBTI+ organisations in Spain to listen to their demands regarding foreign policy action and reiterate the Ministry's support.

Albares warned that, despite the progress achieved, significant challenges remain globally, including the fact that dozens of countries continue to criminalise LGBTI+ people on the basis of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

In recent years, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has strengthened its commitment to active and coherent diplomacy in defence of equality, diversity and human rights around the world. One notable step was the creation of the role of Ambassador-at-Large for LGBTI+ rights, a pioneering initiative that reflects Spain's commitment to promoting these rights internationally.

Spain also currently co-chairs the Equal Rights Coalition alongside Col​ombia, which brings together 44 countries and promotes initiatives to advance equality and protect LGBTI+ people globally.

The Ministry has also incorporated an LGBTI+ perspective into other foreign policy instruments, such as travel advice, which includes specific information to help support safer and better-informed international travel for this group.

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