Spanish government faces criticism over EU funds and nuclear energy

Spanish deputies from Ciudad Real have criticized the government's management of European Next Generation funds. They allege that the administration has hidden modifications to the fund plans from Congress and failed to meet milestones. Reports indicate that Spain has returned 38% of the funds, totaling over 61 billion euros, due to planning and execution failures. The European Commission has reportedly had to relax certain commitments to assist the government, including reducing funding for childhood policies and altering firefighting aircraft modernization plans.

Separately, the Spanish government has granted an extension to the Almaraz nuclear power plant, delaying the scheduled closure of its two reactors. While the government uses administrative procedures to justify the extension, environmental groups like Ecologistas en Acción argue this decision protects the interests of large electric companies and undermines the national energy transition. Critics warn that this move could set a precedent for other nuclear plants, potentially disrupting the planned decommissioning schedule for the country's nuclear fleet.