Spanish cities have been told to spend or lose funding for cycle lanes and low-emission zones following a right-wing setback.
advertisementSpain’s towns and cities must become more bicycle- and pedestrian-friendly by 2024. Otherwise, we risk losing EU funding.
In 2021, the EU granted subsidies to member states for climate change adaptation and sustainable growth.
Since then, millions of euros have been poured into green mobility, including the creation of pedestrian areas, low-emission zones and cycle lanes. However, many Spanish councils have been slow to carry out sustainable renovations.
In 2024, the progress of green projects that received EU Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Fund will be reviewed in Spain.
According to Spanish newspaper 20 Minitos, recipients could be forced to return the funds if a quarter of the planned work is not completed by the end of the year.
Why is Spain tightening its crackdown on cars?
According to UNEP, cities account for around 75% of global CO2 emissions, with transportation being one of the main contributors.
Helping the EU meet its reduction targets emissions With an increase of 55 percent by 2030 and 90 percent by 2050, towns and cities will now have access to billions in EU funding for sustainable transport initiatives.
The goal under Spain’s Sustainable Mobility Strategy is to reduce private movements. car 35% will use it by 2030.
As part of this, regions with more than 50,000 residents are required to implement “Zones de Bajas Emiciones” (ZBE). low emission zone – Restricts traffic and pollutes vehicle types in busy centers. This applies to a total of around 400 municipalities in Spain.
Barcelona, Madrid, Seville and Zaragoza are among the cities that have already implemented ZBE. However, more than 150 other cities exceeded the original deadline (set for January 2023 and later extended).
Bicycle lanes are also being expanded. electric buspark-and-ride facilities, car-sharing schemes, minute-by-minute rentals of electric vehicles, and more.
Madrid is offering a €1,250 bonus for scrapping old cars in favor of renting these shared EVs. If he replaces his car with a zero-emissions one, he can receive a subsidy of 9,000 euros, starting from 2,500 euros. vehicle.
We also offer bicycle rental services in many major cities, including Bisimado in Madrid, Bissing in Barcelona, and Barenbisi in Valencia. EU funds are being used to extend such schemes to smaller cities.
Why is 2024 an important year for sustainable transport in Spain?
According to , the Spanish Ministry of Transport has allocated approximately 1.5 billion euros in funding for 2021-2022 to support local governments’ green mobility plans. 20 min.
However, if it is unable to implement the projects it has promised by the end of 2024, it will be forced to return some of the funds.
Badalona, Catalonia and other cities are slow to introduce low-emission zones and are at risk of losing funding.Located in Elche in the southeast Spainbacktracking in the bike lane results in a similar position.
Part of that is due to political setbacks in the city, which is ruled by the right-wing PP and Vox coalition. May 2023where anti-car policies are unpopular with many citizens.
The 2024 review aims to ensure that EU grants are used for their intended purpose and that projects started using the funds are completed. To maintain funding, 25% of the promised work must be completed by the end of the year.
advertisementA one-year extension may be granted, but only if the mayor can prove it is justified.