The European Commission has approved under the EU Merger Regulation the creation of a joint venture between Iberdrola, S.A. of Spain and BP, p.l.c. of the United Kingdom. The operation mainly concerns the markets for the installation, operation and maintenance of a public network of electric vehicle charging stations with fast and ultra-fast charging speeds […]
Spain, among the top countries in terms of funding for cutting-edge research projects
The European Research Council (ERC) announced the 37 scientific teams that will receive a total of €395 million to solve research problems that are so complex that they cannot be solved by working alone. Synergy grants support projects by leading researchers in different countries who join forces to tackle highly complex research problems. A total […]
78 involved in large-scale cannabis trafficking arrested in Spain and Italy
The criminal network is linked to more than six tonnes of intercepted shipments of cannabis and hashish. Europol supported the Italian Financial Guard (Guardia di Finanza) and Spanish Regional Catalan Police (Mossos d’Esquadra) in dismantling a large criminal network behind several tonnes of cannabis being trafficked to the EU. The investigation, also supported by Eurojust, […]
Council and European Parliament reach agreement on strengthening geographical indications
Council and Parliament negotiators reached a provisional deal aimed at strengthening geographical indications (GIs) and other quality schemes for wine, spirit drinks and agricultural products and improving their uptake across the EU. The deal will bring tangible benefits to the rural economy and it will safeguard the EU’s gastronomic heritage across the world. Geographical indications showcase the very best of our […]
European Commission refers Spain to the Court of Justice of the EU for non-compliance with EU rail rules
The Commission has decided to refer Spain to the Court of Justice of the European Union for failing to correctly transpose and apply Directive 2012/34/EU establishing a single European railway area. The Commission takes the view that the rail regulatory framework in Spain is in breach of several provisions of the directive concerning: the management independence of […]
EU leaders to discuss long-term priorities on 6 October in Granada
EU leaders will gather in Granada, Spain, to launch discussions on priorities for the years ahead. By taking stock of past work on how to enhance the EU’s strategic autonomy, the discussions will help prepare the EU’s next strategic agenda, a five-year policy plan to equip the EU with general political guidelines and directions. Invitation letter […]
Commission endorses Spain’s €163 billion modified recovery and resilience plan
The Commission has given a positive assessment of Spain’s modified recovery and resilience plan, which includes a REPowerEU chapter. The plan is now worth €163 billion (€83 billion in loans and €80 billion in grants) and covers 111 reforms and 142 investments. Spain’s REPowerEU chapter consists of a new reform, a scaled-up investment drawing on three existing measures, and seven new investments to deliver […]
September infringement proceedings package concerning Spain: main decisions
Brussels, 28 September 2023. The main decisions adopted by the Commission concerning Spain are presented below, grouped by policy area. The Commission will also close 135 cases that have been settled by the Member States concerned without the Commission having to pursue the procedure further. Environment Letters of formal notice Commission calls on SPAIN to […]
Up to €1.7bn of EIB finance for new solar power plants in Spain, Italy and Portugal
The European Investment Bank (EIB) has approved framework financing of up to €1.7 billion for Solaria to support the construction of some 120 photovoltaic power plants. Mostly located in Spain, as well as Italy and Portugal, they will have a total capacity of approximately 5.6 GW and will produce an estimated 9.29 TWh a year. […]