MEP Alvise Pérez (NI) has submitted a parliamentary question to the European Commission, challenging Spain's implementation of the Critical Raw Materials Act and warning that outdated national regulations are undermining EU strategic autonomy targets. The question, filed on 8 June 2026, targets Spain's 1973 Mining Act, slow permitting, and a ban on new radioactive mineral concessions, which Pérez argues deter private investment in strategic projects.
whether the Commission considers Spain properly applying the Act's deadlines and one-stop-shop requirements; whether it will assess if Spanish regulations hinder EU strategic autonomy; and whether it will support pro-investment reforms over state-owned mining models. The question references Commission-identified strategic projects in Extremadura, Galicia, Andalusia, and Castile-La Mancha for lithium, copper, nickel, cobalt, and tungsten.
extracting 10% of annual consumption, processing 40%, and limiting single-country dependence to 65%. He criticises Spain's 'no to everything' culture and slow authorisations, arguing deposits in Jaén, Cáceres, and Ciudad Real could supply defence, automotive, and permanent magnet value chains. The Commission typically replies within six weeks; its answer will signal whether it views Spain's administrative hurdles as a systemic risk to EU raw materials goals.