Legal regulation of relations between Spain and Russia in the area of adoption of Russian children by Spanish citizens

Abstract

This article conducts the analysis of legal regulation of relations between the Kingdom of Spain and the Russian Federation with regards to adoption of Russian children by Spanish citizens. The authors examine the history of development of bilateral Russian-Spanish cooperation; legal normative base, and procedure for the adoption of Russian orphans in the Russian and Spanish legislation. Statistical data is provided on the trends in adoption of Russian orphans by citizens of the Kingdom of Spain. The article employs the following methods of scientific research: historical, comparative-legal, statistical, and systemic analysis. The relevance of the selected topic is substantiated by the fact the for many years Spain demonstrates consistent interest in this question, ranking second among other countries that adopt children from the Russian Federation. At the same time, the legal and bureaucratic framework for realization of Russian-Spanish cooperation in this field requires improvements. The authors conclude that although the number of adopted Russian orphans by Spanish citizens has dropped in recent years, it is necessary to continue cooperation in this field by improving the existing legislation.