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EU in contact with Spain and Portugal after massive blackout disrupts power supply

28.04.2025 15:05
The European Commission is coordinating with Spain and Portugal after a massive power outage left nearly half of Spain, including major cities like Valencia, Madrid, Barcelona, and Seville, without electricity, with similar disruptions reported in Portugal and southern France.
Several commuters leave a subway station after a blackout hit Spain and Portugal, in Madrid, Spain, 28 April 2025. A massive blackout has hit large parts of Spain and spread to neighbouring Portugal and France, disrupting transport systems, internet connections and daily life, according to authorities. The exact cause of the blackout is unknown.
Several commuters leave a subway station after a blackout hit Spain and Portugal, in Madrid, Spain, 28 April 2025. A massive blackout has hit large parts of Spain and spread to neighbouring Portugal and France, disrupting transport systems, internet connections and daily life, according to authorities. The exact cause of the blackout is unknown. Photo: MARISCAL/PAP/EPA

Brussels is working to determine the cause of the blackout and its impact on the situation in both countries, while ensuring the smooth exchange of information.

The European Commission reminded that under EU regulations for emergency and crisis situations, there are established procedures to restore the functioning of the power systems.

Power outage leaves half of Spain without electricity

A major power outage has affected nearly half of Spain, including major cities like Valencia, Madrid, Barcelona, and Seville, with similar disruptions reported in Portugal and southern France.

The Spanish government has convened an emergency meeting, while electricity provider Red Electrica has begun restoring power across the country.

In Valencia, the blackout has caused widespread issues, including the failure of traffic lights, internet access, elevators, and public transportation.

Meanwhile, train services have been severely impacted, with several trains stranded on tracks, and a nationwide railway strike in Portugal has further disrupted travel.

View of a bar after a blackout hit Spain in the city of Toledo, central Spain, 28 April 2025. A massive blackout has hit large parts of Spain and spread to neighbouring Portugal and France, disrupting transport systems, internet connections and daily life, according to authorities. The exact cause of the blackout is unknown. Photo: ISMAEL HERRERO/P View of a bar after a blackout hit Spain in the city of Toledo, central Spain, 28 April 2025. A massive blackout has hit large parts of Spain and spread to neighbouring Portugal and France, disrupting transport systems, internet connections and daily life, according to authorities. The exact cause of the blackout is unknown. Photo: ISMAEL HERRERO/PAP/EPA

Commuters leave a subway station after a blackout hit Spain and Portugal in Madrid, Spain, 28 April 2025. A massive blackout has hit large parts of Spain and spread to neighbouring Portugal and France, disrupting transport systems, internet connections and daily life, according to authorities. The exact cause of the blackout is unknown. Photo: MARI Commuters leave a subway station after a blackout hit Spain and Portugal in Madrid, Spain, 28 April 2025. A massive blackout has hit large parts of Spain and spread to neighbouring Portugal and France, disrupting transport systems, internet connections and daily life, according to authorities. The exact cause of the blackout is unknown. Photo: MARISCAL/PAP/EPA

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Source: IAR/PAP/X/@ReutersCommods