Government praises suspension of prospecting permission

However, Balearic government spokesperson, Marc Pons, said that the decision by Madrid is not enough because there are still two prospecting operations and one of these is in Balearic waters. Nevertheless, the suspension, he said, is the first step towards the permits being cancelled.

According to an entry in the Official Bulletin, these permissions, called Benifayó, Gandía, Alta Mar 1 and Alta Mar 2, have been suspended pending environmental impact assessments. Following the resolution to extinguish them, “on account of relinquishment by the holder,” the areas in question revert to the state and will acquire a status of being free and registrable within six months.