Spain has officially been ranked the most LGBTQIA+ friendly country in Europe, ending Malta’s decade-long dominance at the top of the continent’s annual equality rankings.
The International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association’s European branch published its latest Rainbow Map on May 12, offering a detailed assessment of LGBTQIA+ rights, legal protections and equality policies across Europe.
The 2026 report places Spain in first position for the first time, ahead of Malta, Iceland, Belgium and Denmark.
Spain Climbs To The Top Of Europe’s LGBTQIA+ Equality Rankings
According to ILGA-Europe, Spain’s rise to the top position reflects a series of legal reforms and policy protections introduced under Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez’s government.
The organisation highlighted measures aimed at strengthening protections for LGBTQIA+ communities while responding to growing political pressure from far-right movements across Europe.
Among the reforms cited were the removal of classifications treating transgender identities as mental illnesses within healthcare systems, the introduction of stronger legal protections for LGBTQIA+ citizens and the creation of national equality strategies.
The report also pointed to the establishment of an independent authority tasked with enforcing anti-discrimination laws and equal treatment policies.
Malta Falls To Second Place After A Decade At Number One
For the first time in 10 years, Malta lost its position as Europe’s highest-ranked country for LGBTQIA+ rights.
The Mediterranean nation had consistently led the rankings for a decade due to its progressive legislation on equality, gender identity and anti-discrimination protections.
Despite dropping to second place, Malta remains one of Europe’s strongest performers for LGBTQIA+ rights and legal recognition.
Iceland retained third place in the rankings, while Belgium and Denmark completed the top five.
Rainbow Map Highlights Growing Global Debate Over LGBTQIA+ Rights
The release of the report comes amid wider international debates surrounding LGBTQIA+ protections and gender identity policies.
ILGA-Europe noted that equality protections are facing increasing political and legal challenges in several countries, particularly as conservative movements gain influence across parts of Europe and North America.
The organisation’s findings also arrive during a period of growing legislative battles in the United States, where advocacy groups have warned about a rising number of bills targeting LGBTQIA+ and gender nonconforming communities.
Russia Ranked Lowest In Europe For LGBTQIA+ Rights
At the opposite end of the rankings, Russia was listed as the least LGBTQIA+ friendly country in Europe.
Armenia, Belarus, Turkey and Azerbaijan also ranked among the lowest-performing countries in the report.
The Rainbow Map evaluates countries using criteria including legal protections, hate crime legislation, family rights, freedom of expression, asylum policies and gender recognition laws.
