• The Congress of Deputies hosted the conference ‘Financial inclusion in Spain: Cash as a safe and sustainable solution’, organised by the Denaria Platform.

• Javier Rupérez, president of Denaria, denounced the legislative contradictions that limit the use of cash in Spain, despite the fact that the General Law for the Defence of Consumers and Users requires its acceptance.

The Congress of Deputies hosted the conference ‘Financial inclusion in Spain: Cash as a safe and sustainable solution’, organised by the Denaria Platform. During the event, experts and institutional representatives discussed the regulatory restrictions affecting the use of cash and their impact on the economy and national security.

Javier Rupérez, president of Denaria, denounced the legislative contradictions that limit the use of cash in Spain, despite the fact that the General Law for the Defence of Consumers and Users obliges its acceptance. Among the main barriers is the cash payment limit of 1,000 euros, much lower than the 10,000 euros allowed by the Directive on the Prevention of Money Laundering approved by the European Parliament. In addition, restrictions on rent payments and tax deductions penalise the use of cash, placing Spain at a disadvantage compared to other EU countries where such limits do not exist.

One of the central themes of the day was the role of cash in financial security. With increased exposure to cyber-attacks, reliance on digital payments alone represents a risk. Experiences in countries such as Sweden, Norway and Finland have demonstrated the importance of maintaining a cash infrastructure to ensure economic continuity in the face of technological failures or unexpected crises. ‘Cash is immune to cyber-attacks and ensures the financial autonomy of citizens,’ Rupérez stressed.

The conference was attended by various personalities from the social, economic and political spheres. At the round table on accessibility to cash, Pilar Villarino (CERMI), Agustín Matía (Down España) and other experts stressed the importance of cash for personal autonomy and financial inclusion. The legislative roundtable brought together parliamentary representatives from different parties, who debated the need to review current regulations in order to harmonise them with European guidelines.

In the national security panel, critical infrastructure protection specialists stressed that cash remains a key element in financial resilience and protection against potential failures of the digital system.

Plataforma Denaria reiterated its commitment to defending cash as an essential service. The organisation urges the government and European institutions to adopt measures that guarantee citizens' freedom of choice and avoid unjustified restrictions on its use. With a constantly evolving economic and technological landscape, cash continues to play a key role in financial stability and social inclusion.

Source: El Confidencial