Spain’s Secretary of State for the Environment, Hugo Morán, on 1 October 2026 at the V Foro ReGenera by elDiario.es highlighted the repair and reuse of products as central to the economía circular “The shoemaker and the washing-machine technician will be part of our lives again,” Morán said, making clear that the government would not accept any “simplification” of rules that amounted to deregulation: that would always mean weaker environmental protection.
Morán spoke on behalf of the Ministerio para la Transición Ecológica y el Reto Demográfico (Miteco) and linked his remarks to the government’s policy. The Gobierno de España had approved the II Plan de Acción de Economía Circular on 27 January 2026, establishing repair, reuse and design for recycling as strategic instruments. The aim is to close material loops and reduce dependence on primary raw materials. According to the ministry, funding programmes are intended to help businesses bring more durable and more easily repairable products to market.
Attributed statements: Morán rejected the claim that green regulation holds back competitiveness. European society is not prepared to retreat on environmental standards, the Secretary of State said. He also suggested that consumers would have to accept higher upfront prices if appliances lasted longer and could be repaired.
The Madrid forum provided an opportunity for politicians, businesses and civil society to exchange views on circular-economy tools. Around the event, elDiario.es pointed to significant regional differences in recycling in Spain. The government is therefore combining regulation and funding to make repair services—from workshops to specialist businesses—more economically attractive. This involves investment in product design, the availability of spare parts and take-back systems.
Interests and consequences: Manufacturers with linear business models face pressure to adapt, for example through requirements on repairability and the provision of spare parts. Local authorities and service providers, however, could benefit from additional jobs and value creation if repair and reuse are scaled up. The extent of these effects will depend on the detailed design of forthcoming regulations, funding schemes and market incentives.
Facts and forecasts should be distinguished: Morán’s quotations and the approval of the II Plan de Acción de Economía Circular are documented. Open questions concern the depth of implementation, the industry’s response and price trends for consumers. Policymakers will take further decisions on these matters in the coming months.
Editor: Daniel Mayer (Article created with AI assistance).