Canary Islands Government Announces Urgent Legal Measures

Key Measures and Reforms

• The decree modifies existing laws to allow the extension of validity for strategic environmental impact reports.
• These reports are crucial for the approval of development plans.
• Without this extension, plans pending approval risk being nullified and having to restart processes, causing delays and economic setbacks.
• The legislation grants a two-year extension on environmental reports if no substantial changes have occurred in the plan's core elements.
• This prevents plans from being invalidated due to procedural lapses.

Special Provisions for Cooperatives

• The decree includes provisions for cooperatives, which account for roughly 10% of Spain's GDP.
• Cooperatives formed before January 10, 2023, must adapt their statutes by January 10, 2027, to avoid disbandment and liquidation.

Government's Intent and Context

• The new rules aim to prevent the widespread dissolution of cooperatives.
• This safeguards jobs and economic activity.
• The intervention recognizes the urgent need to streamline bureaucratic procedures.
• The measures seek to support sustainable development and economic resilience amidst a challenging planning environment.