The governments of Spain and France continued their evaluation this Friday of the feasibility of the MidCat gas pipeline, placing it within a broader group of experts at both community and national levels to determine its potential relevance for the upcoming fall and winter of 2023-2024. The ongoing assessment aims to map out the concrete steps necessary to secure reliable gas interconnection during the colder months ahead.
Following the press conference that concluded the 27th extraordinary meeting of Energy Ministers, Teresa Ribera, the vice president and minister for ecological transition, described the discussion as an opportunity to exchange ideas with colleagues from different areas of government in attendance, including Agnès Pannier-Runacher of France. The dialogue highlighted a shared interest in understanding how cross-border energy infrastructure could strengthen energy security and regional collaboration.
Ribera indicated that the interconnection technical group, together with regulators, governments, and the operators of the gas transport system, should conduct a rapid assessment of what infrastructures need to be reinforced to arrive on time for the fall-winter 2023-2024 season. The evaluation would cover MidCat and consider any other actions that may be contemplated in this regard. This approach reflects a practical framework to identify priority projects and avoid unnecessary delays. [Citation: European energy ministers’ conference, official statements]
She added that the focus on technical assessment could reveal viable paths to expedite the process and determine where simplifications are possible. It may be that certain components are straightforward and cost-effective, while others prove more complex, costly, or time-consuming, depending on the Member State involved. The emphasis is on clarity about what can be achieved within the given timeline and what may require additional planning. [Citation: Intergovernmental discussions on energy infrastructure]
In this framework, Madrid and Paris chose to engage in discussions about the future of MidCat, a project Spain has advocated with the backing of Germany, yet facing opposition from France. The evolving stance underscores the differing national perspectives on how best to diversify and secure gas supplies through cross-border networks.
Earlier in the week, the European Commission signaled a careful stance on the MidCat proposal, stating that its fate would depend on constructive discussions among interested countries rather than an outright endorsement. This measured position reflects the Commission’s preference for consensus-driven decisions among EU members when contemplating major energy infrastructure. [Citation: European Commission communications]
Meanwhile, French President Emmanuel Macron voiced concerns about the project, arguing that the existing pipelines between Spain and France continue to be underutilized. He pointed to the two major routes that currently connect the two nations through the Basque Country and Navarra, noting a significant portion of capacity remains unused since February. The debate illustrates the broader questions about infrastructure utilization, market dynamics, and the balance between new projects and optimizing existing connections. [Citation: press remarks, EU energy policy briefings]