Publications

Despite the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, the global economy is holding up better than expected, thanks to energy relief measures and the momentum from artificial intelligence. The outlook depends on trade reopening to prevent a rebound in prices.

The impact of the conflict in the Middle East on the European economy is being cushioned by energy diversification and greater global supply. But if the shock drags on, the economic deterioration could intensify quickly.

The energy transition is reducing Europe's exposure to gas. In Spain, the strong expansion of renewables has helped contain wholesale prices, but system costs have prevented this decline from being fully passed on to consumers.

The government’s measures arrive on time and can cushion part of the war’s impact on economic activity and prices if the shock is temporary. If energy prices continue to rise, more targeted measures will be needed—ones that do not distort price signals.

The quote “it is difficult to make predictions, especially about the future” is attributed to Niels Bohr. Today, it is even more so in an environment of high uncertainty. The increase in costs caused by the war between the U.S. and Israel against Iran will have negative effects on the Spanish economy.

The balance of 2025 showed economic resilience in the face of geopolitical tensions, supported by lower inflation and investment. The war in the Middle East is a supply shock, whose impact will depend on how long it lasts and how oil prices evolve.

Geopolitical crises do not automatically trigger energy transitions. They accelerate diversification only when economically viable and scalable substitutes already exist. Price spikes alone are insufficient; transition dynamics are shaped by shifts in perceived supply risk, technological readiness, and policy responses.