Teresa Ribera, the minister overseeing ecological transition and demographic challenges, indicated this week that the country might face energy rationing next winter. She noted in an interview with Telecinco, reported by Europa Press, that such measures could be seen in other major economies like Germany or Austria, possibly sooner than expected.
Ribera stressed that while energy scorecards could become a reality abroad, Spain has already put in place steps to curb unnecessary consumption. She pointed out that homes do not need to keep lights on all night or raise the thermostat to uncomfortable levels, emphasizing practical measures to preserve energy and reduce waste. This stance came as the government prepared to seek approval in Congress for its energy-saving ordinance, with Ribera expressing strong confidence that lawmakers would back the initiative.
She described the measure as a pivotal step that deserves broad parliamentary support. The minister urged ongoing collaboration with parliamentary groups, regional authorities, and local councils, as well as with affected sectors, to ensure smooth implementation and widespread impact.
Opposition voices have criticized the draft for not fully engaging in dialogue during its formulation, with some parties and autonomous communities, apart from the Basque Government which pursues its own austerity plan, accusing the ministry of insufficient consultation. Ribera responded by saying the recommendations must start delivering results immediately and, over the next decade, should steadily reduce energy use across the board. She noted that the People’s Party had suggested technologies such as nuclear power, which she argued would not bring changes for the upcoming winter.
According to the minister, the proposed measures will generate savings for those who adopt them, reduce unnecessary consumption, and lower the risk of needing harsher, more complex steps later on. Since August 1, officials from the European Commission have tracked voluntary energy savings across member states, underscoring the importance of the new rules based on prior experiences with basic regulations for cooling and nighttime window lighting in shops. These background efforts frame the current policy as a continuation of a cooperative, Europe-wide approach to energy reliability. [Attribution: Telecinco, Europa Press]
Robles: Hard winter ahead
Defense Minister Margarita Robles warned on Wednesday that predicting the end of the war in Ukraine is not feasible. The coming winter, she said, will be long, complex, and tough, and preparation is essential to withstand potential shortages or disruptions. Speaking with RNE six months into the Russian invasion, Robles framed the war as a prolonged struggle akin to the attrition seen in historic conflicts, stressing that the outcome remains uncertain.
Robles recalled the moment when doubts about the war’s scale emerged, noting how difficult it was to imagine the conflict would unfold with such severity and global consequences. She highlighted that Putin’s initial prediction of a swift victory has not only failed but also united the European Union and NATO in support of Ukraine and of measures that assist Spain in training both soldiers and civilians for defense. [Attribution: RNE]
Regarding further arms deliveries, Robles described the issue as one of maximum discretion. She clarified that Spain acts in coordination with allied Atlantic nations and the 45-nation Donor Group, which plans to convene on September 8 to review the situation. The winter forecast repeatedly points to a period that will be difficult and demanding, with potential consequences for energy supplies and civilian resilience. Robles urged preparedness and emphasized that Europe must extend a helping hand to those most affected. [Attribution: Official statements, Donor Group meeting notes]
She added that the possibility of delaying or weakening the proposed energy-saving decree is not acceptable and reiterated the EU commitment to meeting the new targets. Robles expressed hope that political forces will remain aligned with this shared obligation and that the government’s course of action will receive broad support in Congress. [Attribution: Government briefings]
In sum, the message from both ministers centers on readiness, cooperation, and tangible steps to weather a challenging season and a difficult European security landscape. The emphasis remains on practical energy efficiency, coordinated defense support, and a united front in international affairs as Spain navigates a tough winter ahead. [Attribution: Public remarks, parliamentary coverage]