Elon Musk has proposed transforming the sparsely populated regions of España vaciada (Empty Spain) into a major source of renewable electricity for Europe through large‑scale solar power. Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, the billionaire chief executive of Tesla and SpaceX said areas with low population density such as parts of rural Spain and Sicily could host solar installations capable of generating the continent’s electricity needs.

Musk made the comments during a wide‑ranging conversation with Larry Fink, chairman and chief executive of global investment firm BlackRock, focusing on energy, technology and future economic trends. He said the technology required to build such large solar installations already exists, and that what is needed now is the will and investment to deploy it.

“Relatively sparsely populated areas, such as parts of Spain and Sicily, could generate all the electricity Europe needs.” Musk said, suggesting that European energy security could be strengthened by leveraging geographical advantages and solar potential in regions with abundant sunshine and available land.

Musks Vision of Solar Energy in Europe

Solar potential and broader energy perspective

Musk pointed to examples abroad to underline his argument. He noted that China already operates solar farms producing hundreds of gigawatts per year, demonstrating that the infrastructure and capability are within reach. He said that similar projects in rural Spain or Sicily could, if implemented at scale, supply enough power for Europe’s needs.

During the discussion, Musk also referenced possible solar development in parts of the United States such as Nevada, Utah or New Mexico, suggesting that large desert or under‑utilised landscapes around the world could support utility‑scale solar power.

Energy experts say that solar power is already a significant component of the European renewable mix, with countries such as Spain and Germany having expanded capacity rapidly in recent years. However, the idea of dedicating extensive rural land exclusively to continental power generation at the scale Musk described has not yet been adopted as official policy by European governments.

Musk’s broader tech and energy comments at Davos

Robotics, AI and criticism of trade barriers

In addition to his remarks on solar power, Musk used the Davos platform to outline broader views on technology and the future economy.

He argued that robots will become increasingly common, predicting that in a relatively short timeframe there would be “more robots than people.” Musk said that Tesla’s humanoid robots, known as Optimus, are already performing simple tasks in the company’s factories and could be available for consumer purchase in 2027.

On artificial intelligence, Musk projected that AI could reach human‑level intelligence as early as late 2026 or 2027, and that AI capable of surpassing human collective reasoning might emerge by around 2030 or 2031. He emphasised the importance of caution in developing AI and robotics, warning against scenarios that resemble science fiction depictions of uncontrollable machines.

Musk also criticised certain US trade policies, particularly tariffs that increase the cost of importing solar cells from China, a move he said undermines broader deployment of renewable energy technologies by raising costs.

Response from European energy and political circles

No formal European endorsement yet

Officials in Spain and across Europe have acknowledged the potential of renewable energy and the value of expanding solar infrastructure, but the proposal to transform España vaciada into a continental energy hub remains an individual vision rather than a coordinated policy. Spain has its own national renewable ambitions, with solar and wind forming a growing share of the electricity mix, but large‑scale transnational energy projects would require extensive regulatory, environmental and economic planning.

At present, neither the Spanish government nor European institutions have committed to Musk’s idea as an official strategy. Experts caution that extensive deployment of solar installations at the level Musk described would involve significant land‑use planning, grid upgrades and financing frameworks before it could become a reality.

Key points

• Elon Musk proposed using rural Spanish regions (España vaciada) to build large solar farms for Europe.
• He spoke at the World Economic Forum in Davos during a conversation with BlackRock’s Larry Fink.
• Musk said existing technology could make such projects feasible if there is the will to implement them.
• He also commented on robotics advances, AI timelines and criticised US solar import tariffs.
• The idea has not been adopted as official energy policy in Spain or the EU.

Future energy implications

The concept of turning España vaciada into a major source of renewable electricity ties into broader debates about Europe’s energy independence, sustainability goals and post‑fossil‑fuel transition strategies. As European nations pursue climate targets, the role of utility‑scale solar power continues to receive attention from policymakers, investors and industry leaders. Whether Musk’s vision will spur new initiatives remains to be seen, but his comments add to ongoing conversations about the future of energy infrastructure in Europe.

Learning to drive in Portugal may soon look very different, with the government preparing to open the door to a new way of getting behind the wheel.

Ministers are expected to approve a reform that allows learner drivers to practise not only with a driving instructor, but also with a designated tutor, often a close family member. The change applies to category B licences, covering standard passenger cars, and is aimed at drivers aged 18 and over.

The move, reported by Executive Digest and Rádio Renascença, is being presented as an alternative rather than a replacement for traditional driving schools – but it could still mark a major shift in how people learn to drive.

Driving lessons won’t disappear – but learners get more freedom

Despite initial fears, driving schools are not being pushed aside. Under the proposed system, learner drivers will still need to be enrolled with a school, and formal instruction will remain compulsory.

What changes is that learners will be able to combine lessons with supervised driving outside the classroom, as long as the person sitting beside them meets the legal requirements to act as a tutor. In most cases, this could be a parent or another immediate family member.

To take part, candidates will need to inform their driving school by email, identifying their tutor and providing documentation proving they are eligible. The tutor system is voluntary, meaning learners can stick with the traditional route if they prefer.

Crucially, the final decision on whether a candidate passes the test will still rest with the authorities, not the tutor or the school.

Not a free-for-all on the roads

While the reform offers more flexibility, it comes with clear boundaries.

Accompanied driving will be limited to specific geographical areas, with municipalities deciding where learners are allowed to practise. This means candidates won’t simply be able to drive anywhere they like.

There is also a strict insurance requirement. Anyone opting for the tutor route must take out special insurance covering any damage or incidents that could occur during the learning period. Without it, accompanied driving will not be permitted.

Details around how this insurance will work are still being finalised, but officials have made it clear that safety will not be compromised.

Why Portugal is making the change

The reform comes amid growing pressure to modernise the driving licence system. Lessons are expensive, waiting lists can be long, and many learners feel that limited time behind the wheel does not always reflect real driving conditions.

Allowing candidates to practise more regularly, under supervision, is seen as a way to build confidence and experience without lowering standards.

For now, the proposal is expected to be approved by the Council of Ministers, with further details to follow. If implemented, it could give future drivers more control over how they learn – while keeping the rules, exams and safety checks firmly in place.

For thousands of learners across Portugal, the journey to a driving licence may soon feel a little less rigid – and a lot more realistic.

Stay tuned with Euro Weekly News for more news from Portugal

The House of Lords has voted in favour of an amendment to ban social media use for children under 16, intensifying the UK political debate over online harms and digital child safety. The cross-party vote on Wednesday 21 saw 261 peers support the measure against 150 opposing it, applying pressure on Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s government to act on rising public concerns about social media’s impact on young people.

The amendment, proposed by Conservative peer Lord John Nash and supported by politicians from multiple parties, was added to the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill. It mirrors a similar law recently implemented in Australia that prohibits social media use by under-16s, a policy already prompting platforms to deactivate millions of youth accounts.

Government consultation and next steps

Although peers backed the amendment, the UK government has not formally adopted a ban yet. Ministers have launched a three-month public consultation to explore the potential ban and other options – such as raising the digital age of consent and introducing time-based curfews on app usage – with results expected by the summer.

Downing Street has stated it will consider all options, with Prime Minister Starmer indicating that “no option is off the table” while assessing evidence, including outcomes of Australia’s policy. Over 60 Labour MPs have also urged the government to support stricter age limits for social media access.

If the amended bill reaches the House of Commons, MPs could affirm, modify or overturn the Lords’ decision before it becomes law. Proponents argue the measure is vital to protect mental health, reduce exposure to harmful content and give parents more support. Opponents caution that enforcement and age verification present practical challenges, and some urge a broader regulatory approach focused on platform design and algorithm transparency.

Why the issue matters

Campaigners and parents have rallied behind the proposal, claiming that social media’s addictive design and exposure to harmful material contribute to rising anxiety, cyber-bullying and mental health issues among children. Figures such as actor Hugh Grant and bereaved families have publicly called for stronger protections, reflecting growing public concern.

As the UK navigates its approach, it joins a small group of countries testing age-specific restrictions on digital platforms. The outcome of this consultation and parliamentary debate could reshape how social media is regulated for minors across the UK.