On April 28, 2025, a historic blackout plunged a significant portion of Spain into darkness, disrupting the daily lives of millions and raising serious concerns about structural failures, institutional negligence, and cronyism within a crucial parastatal company. This incident has ignited debates about whether this is merely a one-off event or a clear signal that the system is on shaky ground.
The blackout, which lasted several hours, left hospitals, train stations, businesses, and homes without electricity. While power outages are not uncommon in Spain, the scale and duration of this blackout mark it as one of the worst in recent history. It was not merely a technical failure; it was a jolt to the system.
Experts had been warning for years about the fragility of the Spanish electrical grid. However, investments were postponed, maintenance was cut back, and political priorities seemed to overlook the pressing need for a robust infrastructure. The blackout was a visible symptom of a deeper issue that has been festering for some time.
One of the most alarming aspects highlighted by this episode is the rampant cronyism, or "enchufismo," present in Spain. This practice involves placing individuals in technical or strategic positions without the necessary training or experience, but with the right connections. The erosion of meritocracy not only diminishes the efficiency of the system but also undermines public trust, leaving the country dangerously vulnerable to crises that require competence rather than favoritism.
The situation in Spain draws uncomfortable parallels with chronic blackouts in countries like Cuba, which have often been viewed with condescension as a result of backwardness, lack of investment, or poor management. Today, that reflective mirror reveals a troubling image: are we replicating some of those same mistakes, shrouded in a false sense of modernity?
While countries like Germany have prioritized the modernization of their electrical grids by diversifying sources and securing system stability, Spain seems to be improvising with outdated patches. What is approached with a state vision in other nations is often masked here with press releases and symbolic resignations.
The consequences of the blackout extend far beyond mere darkness. It paralyzed medical centers, disrupted commercial operations, and affected mobility, sowing uncertainty among the public. While the economic cost of the blackout is difficult to quantify, the blow to institutional credibility is already evident, and the damage to citizen trust may prove to be the hardest to repair.
The lesson is clear: speeches and press conferences alone will not suffice. Spain urgently needs to professionalize the management of its public companies, shield them from political patronage, and acknowledge that critical infrastructure requires sustained investment, planning, and accountability. If not, the next blackout will not be an exception but rather a routine occurrence that brings us closer to the past we thought we had left behind.
In response to the blackout, the European Commission (EC) has called for a meeting on May 12, 2025, with key network operators from Spain, France, and Portugal to investigate the causes of the power outage that affected the Iberian Peninsula on April 28 and 29. Cristina Lobillo, director of the Energy Platform (DG ENER) of the European Commission, indicated that this meeting is part of the EC's regulatory obligations following the blackout.
Lobillo emphasized that the EC is conducting "continuous monitoring" of the situation in the three affected countries and will lead an independent investigation into the causes of the blackout. All European network operators will participate in this investigation, which will be chaired by a network operator from a country other than France, Spain, or Portugal. The EC will act as an observer without a fundamental role in the investigation.
According to the EC's regulatory framework, Spain, France, and Portugal must submit a report within the next three months justifying the causes of the blackout. This report will allow the EC to conduct a preliminary analysis and determine whether modifications to existing legislation are necessary.
Lobillo cautioned that the investigation "will take time" and stressed that the EC does not wish to speculate on the findings. However, she underscored the urgency of receiving this information "as soon as possible" to advance within the community context.
In light of broader energy concerns, Lobillo also noted that the European Commission aims to end imports of Russian gas by 2027. This objective is complex and requires unanimity among all member states, some of which have already expressed opposition. "Russia is not a reliable partner," she asserted, summarizing the measures approved by the EC regarding the definitive blockade of Russian gas imports.
Among these measures, she highlighted the obligation for each country to provide complete transparency about the origin of their imports and the prohibition of signing new contracts with Russian gas companies as soon as possible, along with halting the introduction of Russian gas into Europe by 2027.
Regarding decarbonized gases such as hydrogen and biomethane, Lobillo stated that the EC's regulatory framework is nearly complete and is expected to be finalized and adopted before the upcoming summer. She emphasized that this regulatory framework will be crucial for creating a platform that clarifies current and future supply and demand for green hydrogen, as well as attracting financial interest for storage infrastructures.
As the dust settles from the blackout, Spain finds itself at a crossroads. The need for systemic change in the management of public utilities and the broader energy landscape has never been more urgent. Only through professionalization and accountability can the nation hope to restore public trust and prevent future crises.