Data centers on alert over government screening: they fear the 'flight' of already planned multi-million investments due to new green requirements
El Periódico Mediterráneo - General26 August 2026 at 15:47
The Spanish government is preparing a rigorous screening of data center projects through a new royal decree, due to the excessive volume of applications that threatens to overload the electrical grid and harm other industrial projects. The new requirements will include stricter electricity and water consumption standards, as well as digital security requirements, with the aim of allowing only the most sustainable and secure projects, with fears of the flight of already planned million-dollar investments.
Portuguese airports recorded a 2.5% increase in passenger numbers through July, with July showing growth of 2.1%. This positive performance contrasts with the declines seen in other countries, such as the United States (-9.9%), Cambodia (-9.5%) and Japan (-5.8%), according to Vinci data.
Meo saw its revenues grow 0.3% to 1.297 million euros in the first half, although in the second quarter it recorded a drop in billing of 4.6% to 648 million euros, reflecting competitive pressure in the consumer segment, offset by the expansion of the energy and business services business. The company highlighted the completion of the sale of 65% of Intelcia and the Covilhã Data Center as part of its portfolio optimization strategy. CEO Ana Figueiredo highlighted the company's "resilience" in a challenging period for the telecommunications sector.
Capital market rules are being changed again to adapt to new European directives and simplify investment. The new minimum threshold is set at 12 million euros, a significant increase compared to the eight million currently in force, representing an important change in the regulatory framework of the sector.
The CEO of Meo, Ana Figueiredo, states that the second quarter results confirm the company's resilience during one of the most challenging periods the telecommunications sector is experiencing.
