The Independent Authority for Fiscal Responsibility (AIReF) has published its follow-up report on the recommendations issued under the European Commission-funded external evaluation to which it voluntarily submitted in 2024.
AIReF applies the comply-or-explain principle to the evaluation recommendations. The monitoring conducted as of March 2026 shows that the institution has strengthened its analytical capabilities, further developed its evaluation function, and made progress on impact, transparency, and accountability mechanisms.
AIReF has consolidated the use of microsimulation tools for analysing reforms in areas such as pensions, personal income tax and the Minimum Income Scheme (IMV), and has developed new models for assessing the adequacy and equity of the pension system, broadening the scope of its analyses.
On fiscal risks, AIReF published its first Opinion on fiscal risks in March 2025, covering macroeconomic, environmental and legal risks. The second edition has already been sent to the relevant administrations for comment. This Opinion incorporates the MEGAIReF model, which enables the simulation and assessment of the impact of shocks and structural measures on key economic variables. AIReF will also continue to deepen its work on estimating the effects of climate change on public finances.
As regards the new European fiscal framework, AIReF has continued to analyse the application of the new rules and the commitments arising from the Medium-Term Fiscal-Structural Plans.
On spending evaluation, progress has been made in designing a framework for prioritising evaluations, incorporating input from Parliament and other stakeholders more systematically, and further quantifying the budgetary impact of its proposals while enhancing the transparency of its analyses.
The institution has also reinforced its accountability to Parliament through appearances on its own initiative and new tools for tracking its impact on proceedings in the Cortes Generales, with the aim of enriching parliamentary debate. In the area of communication, AIReF has launched AIReF Divulga and included a communications specialist post in the 2025 Public Employment Offer.
Overall, the follow-up confirms AIReF’s progress in strengthening its supervisory and evaluation functions, as well as its commitment to independence, transparency and continuous improvement in a context shaped by the reform of the European fiscal framework and the challenges facing the sustainability of public finances.
The publication of this follow-up report reaffirms AIReF’s commitment to continuous improvement, transparency and accountability.
