Could Spain follow the Netherlands? AI puts government jobs under scrutiny

Artificial intelligence could transform Spanish public services, raising questions over the future of thousands of administrative roles and the way residents access government.

Netherlands plans major civil service cuts

A Dutch government plan to cut around 25,000 civil service positions by 2035 has raised questions about whether other European countries could follow suit, including Spain.

The Netherlands wants to save approximately €3.5 billion annually through a smaller, more efficient administration, with artificial intelligence (AI) expected to play a part in reducing workloads and staffing requirements. The proposals, announced on October 26, represent a long-term restructuring rather than immediate mass redundancies.

Spain has not announced anything comparable. However, research suggests that AI could change the way hundreds of thousands of public employees carry out their daily work, potentially reducing the need for some administrative positions over time.

Could AI replace Spanish government workers?

A study by Esade’s Centre for Economic Policy, published in May 2025, examined the potential impact of generative AI on approximately 1.44 million employees across Spain’s national, regional and local administrations. Esade’s research into the impact of AI on Spain’s public sector provides a detailed breakdown of the findings.

Researchers found that 67 per cent of public-sector workers, representing more than 960,000 people, could have between 10 and 50 per cent of their daily tasks improved through AI.

Around 130,000 workers were in occupations where more than half their tasks could benefit from the technology. Meanwhile, approximately 345,000 employees were in roles with relatively little potential for automation.

Researchers estimated that widespread adoption could increase average productivity per public employee by 9 per cent over ten years, potentially generating €7 billion in additional annual economic value. Importantly, these figures describe opportunities to improve productivity, not predicted job losses.

Which public-sector jobs could be affected?

Administrative assistants, clerical workers and customer service staff could face some of the biggest changes. AI systems can already process routine applications, check documents, enter information into databases, answer frequently asked questions and arrange appointments.

Tax offices could automate straightforward paperwork and identify inconsistencies in returns. Social Security departments could use similar systems to process routine benefit applications, while town halls could automate requests for certificates, licences and registrations.

Immigration services could also use AI to organise applications and check supporting documents, although decisions involving individual circumstances would still need human oversight.

Healthcare receptionists and telephone operators could see more routine enquiries handled by automated assistants. Valencia’s planned AI telephone service across 846 health centres is one example of how this technology is entering Spanish public services.

Spain is recruiting, not cutting

Despite the potential for automation, Madrid’s current policy is not to reduce its civil service. In May 2026, the government approved 27,232 positions in its general state administration recruitment programme, with a net increase of 6,200 jobs after accounting for retirements. Spain’s 2026 public-sector recruitment programme introduces thousands of new positions.

More than 1,700 vacancies were linked to technology, including new specialist recruitment in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and data science. Digital Transformation Minister Oscar Lopez said modernisation should help create employment rather than destroy it. The government also wants to digitise at least another 25 per cent of administrative procedures.

Could retirements change the picture?

Spain’s ageing public workforce could provide another route towards a smaller administration without compulsory redundancies. As experienced employees retire, authorities could decide not to replace every vacancy if AI systems can take over some of their former responsibilities.

For residents, this could mean quicker applications and fewer delays. However, people who struggle with computers, speak limited Spanish or need help with complicated cases could find it harder to access personal assistance.

Are we rushing too fast into AI?

Recent cases, including the entire “Ground order” of all flights in the United States , in which questions have been raised of if new AI technology in air traffic control systems were the cause, are giving warning signs questioning if government and business are too eager to implement AI systems that are not fully tested. AI is a tool like any other, but as any craftsperson will testify, the use of tools may make the workload easier, but they still need high-levels of skill and experience to operate.

For British residents and other foreigners, the question is particularly relevant: will dealing with Spanish tax offices, immigration departments and town halls become easier through technology, or will speaking to a real person become increasingly difficult?

Spain is not currently planning Dutch-style civil service cuts, but the technology and research suggest that the future of public-sector employment could look very different over the next decade.