Possibility of extending implementation deadlines for sustainable energy strategy funds in the Canary Islands
31.3.2026
Priority question for written answer P-001324/2026
to the Commission
Rule 144
Gabriel Mato (PPE)
As an outermost region of the EU under Article 349 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, the Canary Islands face significant structural challenges due to their insularity, territorial fragmentation and remoteness from the mainland, which make it difficult to implement projects linked to the energy transition.
In the context of the sustainable energy strategy in the Canary Islands, this Autonomous Community manages a significantly higher volume of funds than the other Autonomous Communities in relation to population, when taking both regular and extraordinary funds together. What is more, the extraordinary funds (amounting to over EUR 300 million) started being implemented approximately one year later than the regular ones, although the same implementation deadlines remained, however, despite the fact that they are programmes with a higher volume of resources and more complex grants.
In programmes managed by Spain’s Institute for Energy Diversification and Saving (IDAE), an extension of deadlines has been authorised, which raises questions about the possibility of applying similar solutions in this case.
In light of the above:
- 1.Does the Commission think that the Member State could extend the deadlines for implementing and justifying the projects linked to this strategy?
- 2.If so, would such an extension require the Commission’s authorisation?
Submitted: 31.3.2026