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

With just months to go before the 2026 FIFA World Cup, an unusual geopolitical dispute has sparked debate in Germany over a potential boycott of the tournament scheduled to be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada. The discussion centres on rising tensions between European governments and US President Donald Trump’s rhetoric on Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark whose status has become a flashpoint in transatlantic relations.

The idea of a boycott has been publicly floated by some German political figures. Jürgen Hardt, a foreign policy spokesperson for Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s Christian Democratic Union (CDU), described a World Cup boycott as a possible “last resort” to signal displeasure with the Trump administration over Greenland. Hardt told German media that he could imagine Germany’s national team withdrawing from the tournament if US actions escalate further.

Another CDU lawmaker, Roderich Kiesewetter, suggested that a broader European withdrawal would be conceivable should Trump pursue aggressive policies, including economic measures that risk a trade conflict with the European Union. A Social Democratic Party (SPD) figure has also said a boycott should be considered as part of Germany’s response.

Government stress autonomy of sports bodies

German officials emphasise decision lies with football associations

While politicians have raised the spectre of a boycott, the German federal government has emphasised that participation decisions for the World Cup rest with sporting authorities rather than the executive branch. Christiane Schenderlein, the state minister for sports, said that choices on participation or boycott are the responsibility of the German Football Association (DFB) and FIFA, not political actors.

The government has stressed the separation between politics and sport, noting that any formal withdrawal from the World Cup would require action by the DFB or FIFA, rather than political instruction.

Public opinion shows mixed sentiment

Polling reflects ambivalence among Germans

Public sentiment in Germany appears divided on the idea of using the World Cup as a political lever. A survey by the INSA polling institute, published in German media, indicates that around 47 per cent of Germans would support a boycott if the United States attempted to annex Greenland, a scenario many observers describe as hypothetical. Around 35 per cent said they would oppose such a move.

Germany’s national team, one of the most successful in World Cup history with four championships, has competed in every tournament for decades. Its participation is widely expected to continue, but the polling highlights how geopolitical tensions have entered broader public debate.

Wider European context

Other nations reaffirm participation

Elsewhere in Europe, governments have been more explicit in distancing themselves from boycott discussions. France has stated that it does not intend to boycott the 2026 World Cup in response to Trump’s statements on Greenland, emphasising the importance of keeping sport separate from political disputes.

While some European lawmakers have voiced concern over US rhetoric, no national football association outside Germany has publicly entertained the idea of withdrawal. FIFA has also reiterated its position that international competitions should proceed regardless of political disagreements.

Trump and the Greenland controversy

Tensions with Europe intensify debate

The backdrop to the debate is a broader disagreement between the United States and European nations over Greenland. President Trump has repeatedly stated that the strategic Arctic territory is of vital importance to US national security, prompting renewed diplomatic friction. Denmark and other NATO allies maintain that Greenland’s sovereignty rests with Denmark and its people.

Trump has also referenced tariffs on European imports as leverage in the dispute, adding strain to transatlantic economic relations. While these tensions are distinct from sport, they have contributed to calls from some politicians to use high-profile international events as political pressure points.

Key points

• German politicians have raised the possibility of boycotting the 2026 World Cup
• The debate is linked to tensions with Donald Trump over Greenland and trade threats
• The German government says participation decisions rest with football authorities
• Public opinion in Germany is divided on the idea of a boycott
• Other European governments, including France, have ruled out withdrawal
• FIFA has not indicated any change to tournament participation

What happens next

Uncertainty remains ahead of kickoff

At present, no official boycott by Germany or any other European nation has been confirmed. The DFB and FIFA retain authority over participation decisions, and both organisations have indicated no intention to reconsider involvement. Political debate continues, but Germany remains expected to compete in the 2026 World Cup.