Bruselas abre un expediente a España por no actualizar su plan antiapagones

The European Commission has initiated proceedings against Spain for failing to submit an essential document regarding its anti-blackout plan, nearly a year before a major blackout hit the Iberian Peninsula. The document, crucial for ensuring the effectiveness of Spain's strategy against potential electric crises, was due for submission on January 5th.

After nearly ten months of delay, the EU executive decided to take action and launch what is known as an infringement procedure. This plan, which Spain has yet to provide in full, is a European document outlining all measures a country plans to take or has already taken to prevent, prepare for, and mitigate electric crises, including those caused by extreme weather events, cyberattacks, fuel shortages, or other factors.

These plans must be updated every four years. The EU views electric crisis preparation as more than a national concern, as situations like blackouts or cyberattacks often have a cross-border impact. Given the magnitude of recent incidents such as cold waves, heat waves, or cyberattacks, these plans focus on ensuring electricity supply reaches where it is needed most during crises.

While the EU does not link the delayed submission of the plan to an urgent special measure, Spain is among several countries facing this situation. France and Bulgaria have also been called to order by the European Commission for the same reason. Now, each of the three countries will have two months to present evidence of compliance, but if the EU deems their efforts insufficient, it could advance to the next phase, involving a justified statement of objection.

In the worst-case scenario, prolonged non-compliance could lead to the European Commission bringing the offending countries before the European Court of Justice (ECJ) and potentially imposing fines.