MEP Isabel Serra Sanchez (The Left) has submitted a written parliamentary question to the European Commission, challenging the legality of the Community of Madrid's decision to authorise the reopening of a sepiolite mine in the Lagunas de Ambroz. The MEP argues that the project will destroy a rewilded peri-urban ecosystem and may breach EU nature restoration legislation, raising concerns for environmental groups and local residents who oppose the mine.
The question, dated 26 May 2026, was tabled under Rule 144 of the European Parliament's rules of procedure. Serra Sanchez points to Regulation (EU) 2024/1991 on nature restoration, which requires member states to protect, conserve and restore natural ecosystems and peri-urban green spaces. She contends that emptying the large lagoon and clearing its banks directly contradicts these obligations.
Concrete asks and policy direction
The MEP makes three specific requests. First, she asks whether the Commission considers the authorisation compliant with the Nature Restoration Regulation. Second, she questions whether an environmental impact statement that does not account for recent ecological developments — such as the presence of a large colony of sand martins, a protected species — meets EU environmental assessment and biodiversity protection requirements. Third, she asks whether the Commission will request information from Spanish authorities on the authorisation and on measures to preserve the Lagunas de Ambroz and its protected species.
The question reflects a policy orientation favouring strict enforcement of EU environmental law and precautionary protection of rewilded areas. Serra Sanchez implies that the permit relies on an outdated environmental impact assessment, which she describes as deficient for ignoring newly established protected species.
Expected follow-up
The Commission is required to respond within approximately six weeks. Its answer will signal whether it views the Madrid authorisation as a potential infringement of EU law, and whether it intends to open a dialogue with Spanish authorities. The outcome could have implications for similar cases where post-industrial or rewilded sites face development pressures across the EU.
Stakeholder impacts
If the Commission sides with the MEP, the main impact would be on the Tolsa company, which would face delays or cancellation of its mining operations. Spanish regional authorities could see their permitting autonomy questioned. Environmental NGOs and local residents would gain a precedent for challenging permits based on outdated assessments. EU regulatory bodies would reinforce the reach of the Nature Restoration Regulation into land-use decisions.
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