Executive Vice-President Raffaele Fitto, answering a parliamentary question from MEP Gabriel Mato (PPE), stated that extending the implementation deadlines for sustainable energy strategy funds in the Canary Islands under the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) would require amending the RRF Regulation and the European Union Recovery Instrument (EURI). The Commission cannot unilaterally authorise such an extension under the current legal framework.
Mato had asked whether the Member State could extend deadlines for projects linked to the sustainable energy strategy in the Canary Islands, an outermost region facing structural challenges due to insularity and remoteness. He noted that extraordinary funds of over EUR 300 million started implementation about a year later than regular funds but faced the same deadlines, and that Spain's Institute for Energy Diversification and Saving (IDAE) had already authorised extensions for similar programmes.
Fitto's answer offers no concrete proposals for deadline changes but encourages Member States to explore feasible solutions within the existing framework. He points to the Commission's Communication 'NextGenerationEU – The road to 2026' as guidance for reviewing recovery plans, focusing on measures achievable by the 31 August 2026 deadline, and suggests alternatives such as independently managed grant schemes. The Commission offers technical assistance and advice.
The answer signals a firm stance against extending RRF deadlines without legislative changes, prioritising legal certainty over flexibility for outermost regions. This impacts the Canary Islands' ability to absorb funds for energy transition, potentially slowing projects. Stakeholders affected include the Canary Islands government (facing implementation pressure), Spanish national authorities (coordinating with the RRP), EU institutions (defending the current framework), and energy project developers (risk of losing funding if deadlines are missed).
The Commission is unlikely to propose legislative amendments. Member States may seek bilateral solutions or use the Communication's guidance to adjust plans within the deadline. No timeline for further action is given.