Negotiations between the government and the French executive board over the Midcat pipeline project have continued without a break. Despite President Emmanuel Macron’s public opposition to halting the project, sources at Moncloa confirmed this Wednesday that discussions remain active and ongoing. The dialogue centers on a critical energy link between France and Spain through Catalonia, a corridor that Madrid views as essential in the broader effort to diversify Europe’s gas supply and reduce reliance on Russian imports.
Recent reporting confirms constant outreach between the energy ministries of both nations. The aim is to keep alive a project that would connect Spain and France, reinforcing the European strategy of building resilient energy interconnections. Madrid sees the Midcat as a strategic lever to align with the EU’s long term energy security goals, even as some member states question its immediate feasibility and cost. The discussion occurs within a complex landscape of EU-wide efforts to strengthen cross-border energy links and ensure stable supply during periods of price volatility and supply disruption.
During the Med9 summit in Alicante, a group comprising Spain, Portugal, France, Italy, Greece, Malta, Cyprus, Slovenia and Croatia is addressing energy interconnections as a key theme. Although Moncloa previously indicated that Midcat was not on the official agenda, the issue has surfaced in the talks as part of a broader dialogue on interconnectors and regional solidarity. The Alicante gathering, hosted by the Spanish prime minister, provides a platform for Madrid to outline its stance on energy security and the role of cross-border projects in stabilizing gas and electricity networks across southern Europe.
On Madrid’s side, officials argue that the Midcat project deserves careful consideration within the current energy crunch. They highlight that the capacity of existing pipelines is not being fully utilized and that new interconnections could offer short-term relief to the market while ensuring long-term transitions toward greener energy sources. The government emphasizes that pursuing interconnections aligns with national interests and demonstrates solidarity with neighboring countries facing potential supply challenges if the gas flow from Russia were interrupted. In this view, Midcat is part of a broader strategy to secure reliable energy access, diversify routes, and reduce exposure to single-source risks.
Government representatives stress that advancing interconnections is crucial. They argue that the country should leverage every available tool to guarantee supply and to keep options open for future expansion. Midcat is presented not as a standalone project but as part of a wider energy framework that could accommodate future developments, including green hydrogen. This positioning reflects a forward-looking approach that balances immediate energy needs with the EU’s climate and decarbonization objectives, aiming to protect households and industry from price shocks while supporting a sustainable energy transition.
The Alicante summit sources note that a joint statement will be issued, signaling Spain’s commitment to clear electricity interconnections and the ongoing negotiations with the eight capitals involved, including Paris. The statement will likely outline shared principles for cross-border electricity and gas links, while reaffirming each country’s role in ensuring secure energy supply across the region. This coordination underscores a common objective: maintain steady energy flows, strengthen regional resilience, and foster collaboration that can adapt to evolving market conditions and geopolitical realities.