Spanish companies oppose proposed data center decree

Major Spanish corporations and industry associations are criticizing a proposed government decree regarding data centers, warning that the regulation imposes unfeasible requirements. SpainDC, the sector's trade association, has labeled the draft as potentially the most restrictive in Europe, warning it could jeopardize approximately 70 billion euros in investments planned through 2026.

Begoña Villacís, CEO of SpainDC, stated that the decree creates legal insecurity that could drive investors away from Spain, which has positioned itself as a key entry point for the European cloud. Similarly, the CEOs of Iberdrola España and Telefónica have voiced opposition. Mario Ruiz-Tagle, CEO of Iberdrola España, argued against 'demonizing' data centers and warned that if these facilities are not established in Spain, they will simply relocate to neighboring countries while still consuming Spanish energy.

Telefónica CEO Emilio Gayo addressed energy concerns, stating that the current grid is sufficient to meet the industry's needs and that the primary challenges are regulatory rather than supply-based. Industry leaders emphasize that the regulation must balance sector order with the need to maintain technological sovereignty and attract digital infrastructure investment.