Expropriation and Compensation Spanish legislation sets up a series of safeguards that nearly prohibit the nationalization or expropriation of foreign investment. No expropriation or nationalization of foreign investment has taken place recently. Dispute Settlement Legislation establishes mechanisms to solve such disputes if they arise. The Spanish judiciary system is independent from the executive. Therefore, the government is obliged to follow court rulings.
Judges also carry out prosecution and criminal investigation, which permits greater independence.
The Spanish prosecution system allows for successive appeals to a higher Court of Justice. The European Court of Justice hears the final appeal. The Government of Spain also abides by some rulings of the International Court of Justice at The Hague. ETA regularly targets Spanish government officials, members of the military and security forces, and moderate Basques for assassination. The group has carried out many bombings against Spanish government facilities and economic targets.