La Ley 39/2015, del Procedimiento Administrativo Común de las Administraciones Públicas, is a regulatory framework that revolutionized the relationship between citizens and the administration in Spain. In this article, I invite you to explore its most outstanding features and how it affects your daily interaction with the public sector.

Introduction to Law 39/2015

Law 39/2015, enacted on October 1, 2015, seeks to modernize the administrative functioning in Spain, establishing a more accessible and agile procedure. Its main objective is to facilitate the relationship between citizens and the different public administrations, emphasizing transparency and efficiency.

Fundamental Principles

The law is based on essential principles that guarantee a quality public service:

Legality: All administrative actions must be based on the current legal framework.

Transparency: Information must be accessible to all, allowing citizens to know their rights and duties.

Efficiency: The aim is to optimize resources in order to offer an agile and effective service.

Proportionality: The measures adopted by the administration must be appropriate and necessary, avoiding bureaucratic overload.

Interactivity: Promotes two-way communication between the administration and citizens, encouraging dialogue and collaboration.

Innovations Introduced

Law 39/2015 introduces several innovations that transform public administration:

Electronic Means: It establishes the mandatory use of electronic means in the relationship between citizens and administrations. This not only facilitates access to services, but also reduces response times and improves efficiency.

Right of Access to Information: Citizens have the right to access public information, promoting greater transparency and control over administrative actions.

Notification Systems: Electronic notification systems are implemented to ensure that citizens receive relevant information immediately and efficiently.

Citizen Participation: The law promotes the active participation of citizens in decision-making, which strengthens democracy and trust in institutions.

Structure of the Administrative Procedure

The law details a clear structure of the administrative procedure, which is broken down into several phases:

Initiation: This may be ex officio or at the request of a party. In the latter case, the citizen can submit his application electronically.

Instruction: The administration must collect all the information necessary to resolve the procedure, guaranteeing the participation of the interested party.

Finalization: Once the information has been collected, a resolution is issued that puts an end to the procedure. This resolution can be challenged if the citizen does not agree.

Benefits of Law 39/2015

The implementation of this law brings multiple benefits:

Reduction of Bureaucracy: The digitalization and simplification of procedures reduces the time and effort required to carry out formalities.

Increased Trust: Transparency and access to information generate a climate of trust between the administration and citizens.

Citizen Empowerment: By having access to information and participating in procedures, citizens feel more empowered in their relations with the administration.

Challenges and Considerations

Despite the advances brought about by Law 39/2015, it also presents challenges:

Digital Gap: Not all citizens have access to the technology needed to interact electronically with administrations, which can generate inequalities.

Administrative Training: It is crucial that public employees receive adequate training to apply the law correctly and take advantage of its benefits.

Conclusion

Law 39/2015 marks a milestone in the modernization of public administration in Spain. Through digitalization, transparency and citizen participation, it seeks a more efficient and accessible system that benefits everyone. However, it is essential to continue working on inclusion and training so that all citizens can enjoy their rights in a full way.