The Council of the European Union is set to approve an amended assessment of Spain's recovery and resilience plan, updating the original decision of 13 July 2021 to reflect revised reform and investment details under Component 01 (sustainable mobility) and Component 02 (urban rehabilitation). The proposed implementing decision, published on 7 August 2026, outlines specific milestones and targets that Spain must meet to unlock further disbursements under the Recovery and Resilience Facility.
Under Component 01, the plan targets air quality improvements in major metropolitan areas, where over 20,000 premature deaths were attributed to poor air quality in 2018. Reforms include a recharging infrastructure roll-out plan completed by 30 June 2022, a Mobility Law due to enter into force by Q4 2025, and a Royal Decree on low-emission zones (LEZs) for municipalities with more than 50,000 inhabitants, with an 18-month transition period for pre-existing LEZs. Investments focus on low-emission areas, electric vehicle incentives, and railway upgrades, with concrete targets: EUR 400 million spent by municipalities by Q4 2022, 142,800 electric vehicle permits and 95,200 charging points by Q2 2026, and 700 km of rail lines upgraded by Q2 2026.
Component 02 addresses building energy rehabilitation, aiming to renovate at least 285,000 dwellings and construct 15,718 social rental homes by 2026, achieving over 30% average primary energy savings. All measures must comply with the 'Do no significant harm' Technical Guidance, ensuring that investments do not adversely affect environmental objectives.
The amendment reflects Spain's updated recovery plan, which was initially approved in July 2021. The Council's approval is a procedural step required to adjust the plan's milestones and targets, allowing Spain to access the next tranches of EU recovery funds. The decision will be formally adopted by the Council, following the Commission's positive assessment of the revised plan.
Stakeholders directly affected include Spanish municipalities, which will implement low-emission zones and manage the EUR 400 million investment; the construction and renovation sector, which will benefit from the housing rehabilitation targets; the automotive and charging infrastructure industries, which will see increased demand for electric vehicles and charging points; and Spanish citizens, who stand to gain from improved air quality and energy-efficient housing. The plan balances environmental and social objectives with economic recovery, though the ambitious targets may strain administrative capacities and require significant private investment to complement public funds.
The Council's decision is expected to be formalized in the coming weeks, after which the Commission will proceed with the disbursement of funds based on Spain's compliance with the revised milestones.