Teresa Ribera, the Third Vice-President of the Government and Minister for Ecological Transition and Demographic Challenge, will resume talks with Juan Bravo, the Deputy Minister of Economy from the Partido Popular, to advance the Energy Contingency Plan. The executive still plans to present the plan to Brussels in the coming days.
Sources within the ministry disclosed that the Thursday meeting at the ministry headquarters between Ribera and Bravo, which lasted two and a half hours, was described as friendly and constructive. The discussion focused on forging a common response and, where possible, building consensus with other political forces to secure broad support.
The vice president also signaled a commitment to convene further discussions with the PP’s assistant secretary to analyze and evaluate the Contingency Plan. The goal remains to lay a solid foundation for ongoing measures designed to shield households and businesses from rising energy costs.
The timing followed criticisms voiced in recent weeks by the main opposition party regarding the government’s energy-saving measures, including the national strategy to curb consumption as urged by Brussels.
Recently, the PP put forward a plan that envisions extending the operating life of nuclear power plants and offers tax reductions on electricity and natural gas bills. The plan also contemplates discounts for individuals and small and medium-sized enterprises to deliver tangible savings on energy bills.
To finalize the plan that Spain will present to Brussels in the coming days, Ribera has initiated a series of contacts with the European Commission during the month. The consultations involve major sectoral, social, political, and civil society representatives to gather diverse perspectives and proposals.
The objective of these exchanges is to assess the situation comprehensively and collect ideas that contribute to Spain’s commitment to reducing gas consumption in line with the European framework.
The third vice president also held meetings with key industry players such as Enagás, Redeia, Naturgy, Iberdrola, and Endesa. In addition, associations representing energy-intensive sectors, trade and tourism groups, and various parliamentary factions participated in the discussions.