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Spain is a European leader in commercial-scale solar energy, with the highest operational capacity (29.5 GW) and a massive pipeline of projects. However, to meet its 2030 targets of 81 GW of solar and 62 GW of wind, the country must overcome permitting bottlenecks, low adoption of small-scale rooftop solar, and infrastructure limitations. While solar targets are achievable given the current pipeline, wind energy requires a significant acceleration in deployment rates.

The study examined the impact of monetary information—delivered via sales staff and supplementary labels—on the purchase of washing-machines, fridges, dishwashers, and tumble-driers. Results indicate that while monetary information can increase the probability of buying A++ appliances, it often fails to nudge consumers toward the highest efficiency (A+++) models, likely due to price premiums. Additionally, the study identifies a 'memory effect' where previous regional rebate programmes continued to positively influence the purchase of A+++ appliances after the programmes had ended.

The ENHANCE project (2017-2020) focused on integrating the EU Eco-Management and Audit Scheme (EMAS) into regional policies to drive the transition to a circular economy. By collaborating across six European regions, the project identified 24 good practices and implemented 31 actions, primarily focusing on regulatory reliefs and promotional incentives. Key achievements include the reduction of financial guarantees for waste companies in Estonia, tax reductions for EMAS organizations in Catalonia, and the integration of EMAS as an award criterion in Austrian green public procurement. The project engaged 375 stakeholders and concluded that stakeholder involvement and clear financial incentives are critical for the successful implementation of environmental policy instruments.

The report examines Spain's compliance with the Common Fisheries Policy's landing obligation, which requires fishers to retain and record all catches of species subject to catch limits. While Spain has introduced guidelines and selectivity studies, the report finds a critical lack of effective monitoring and enforcement. Evidence suggests that reported data for 2017 and 2018—showing almost no infringements and very low discards—is likely inaccurate due to industry resistance and insufficient control mechanisms. The document recommends increasing the use of remote electronic monitoring, improving port infrastructure, and enhancing data transparency to ensure the sustainability of fishing quotas.

The report details the health impacts of coal-fired power plants in Spain, specifically noting thousands of asthma and bronchitis cases in children. It criticizes the Spanish government for using EU derogations to allow higher emissions and for proposing a Royal Decree to hinder plant closures. Additionally, it highlights that Spain's greenhouse gas emissions in 2015 remained 16.6% higher than 1990 levels, with coal plants accounting for 60.3% of emissions from all combustion installations in 2015.

The report details the health impacts of coal-fired power plants on children in Spain, highlighting thousands of cases of asthma and bronchitis. It criticizes the Spanish government for using legal exceptions to allow emissions above EU limits and for proposing a Royal Decree to hinder plant closures. Additionally, it notes that Spain's greenhouse gas emissions were 16.6% higher in 2015 than in 1990, attributing much of this to the energy sector's dependence on coal.

The report finds that EU Member States have failed to effectively implement fisheries enforcement frameworks, characterized by delays in adopting penalty point systems, a lack of harmonized definitions for 'serious infringements', and sanctions that are neither deterrent nor transparent.

The report evaluates Spain's fisheries enforcement framework, finding that while the country has become an EU leader in combating IUU fishing through high-profile operations like 'Sparrow', significant gaps remain in the application of the penalty point system, engine power verification, and traceability controls. It highlights a general lack of transparency in implementation data and recommends legislative amendments to allow criminal prosecution of IUU fishing in international waters.

The document argues that carbon capture and storage (CCS) is a cost-effective solution for Portugal to reach carbon neutrality by 2045, particularly for hard-to-abate industries like cement and pulp and paper. It highlights a theoretical geological storage capacity of 7.09 GtCO2 and proposes the development of industrial clusters, specifically in the Lusitanian Basin, to scale the technology.

Portugal has a theoretical CO2 storage capacity of 7.09 GtCO2, which could support the decarbonisation of its energy-intensive industries, particularly cement and pulp and paper. While no active CCS projects exist, the STRATEGY CCUS project has identified the Lusitanian Basin as a key area for cluster development. To accelerate adoption, the document recommends creating a national carbon management strategy, clarifying offshore maritime space permits, and establishing cross-border storage partnerships with EU member states like Spain.

This factsheet highlights the governance gaps in the EU's management of small-scale fisheries (SSF), specifically vessels under 12 metres. It argues that the lack of mandatory tracking and catch reporting for these vessels leads to insufficient data for stock assessments and undermines marine conservation. The document recommends the adoption of cost-effective tracking devices and electronic logbooks for all vessels, regardless of size, to ensure a level playing field and more reliable fisheries management.

The document examines the rise of the Catalan independence movement and the 2014 non-binding referendum, arguing that the event was a performance of 'simulated sovereignty' because it lacked legal recognition and resulted in judicial action by the Spanish state. It details the historical, economic, and political drivers of the movement, the results of the 2014 vote, and the subsequent political polarization leading toward a planned 2017 referendum.