Labor and Social Measures Approved in Response to the Crisis in the Middle East
Royal Decree-Law 7/2026, published in the Official State Gazette (BOE) on March 21, 2026, strengthens the social safety net, limits layoffs with government assistance, and advances mobility plans in response to the Middle East Crisis.
Royal Decree-Law 7/2026, of March 20, approving the Comprehensive Response Plan to the Middle East Crisis, was published in the BOE on March 21, 2026, pending ratification by the Congress of Deputies.
The military conflict that began on February 28 between the United States and Israel against Iran has generated significant global economic effects, especially in energy markets, due to the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and the disruption of strategic oil and gas infrastructure. As a result, crude oil and gas prices have experienced sharp increases and high volatility.
The Spanish Government, in line with actions taken in previous crises such as the war in Ukraine, has approved a Comprehensive Crisis Response Plan for the Middle East. This plan combines short-term measures, aimed at containing the immediate impact—such as reduced energy taxes, direct aid, and increased social assistance—with structural measures designed to accelerate the energy transition and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
Royal Decree-Law 7/2026 also incorporates a socio-labor component structured around three main lines: strengthening social protection against rising energy costs, supporting the self-employed and particularly vulnerable sectors, and implementing job retention measures linked to public aid.
Strengthening Social Protection
In the social sphere, the legislation maintains the intervention strategy already implemented in previous crises, but introduces adjustments that should be noted.
The extraordinary discounts of the electricity social bonus are extended throughout 2026, set at 42.5% for vulnerable consumers and 57.5% for severely vulnerable consumers.
In addition, the minimum aid for the thermal social bonus is increased to €50 per beneficiary, along with the approval of an additional budget supplement of €90 million to strengthen this benefit.
Furthermore, the guarantee of water and energy supply for vulnerable consumers is maintained until December 31, 2026, preventing service interruptions due to non-payment.
Support Measures for the Self-Employed and Economic Activity
One of the most relevant—and sometimes least appreciated—aspects is the introduction of mechanisms that directly affect the operations of the self-employed and small businesses.
Until December 31, 2026, self-employed individuals (registered in RETA or equivalent scheme) and companies are allowed to request modifications to their electricity supply contracts with greater flexibility, especially regarding the contracted power.
In parallel, natural gas supply contracts are being made more flexible, allowing for:
Modifications to the contracted flow rate
Changes to access tolls
Temporary suspension of the contract at no cost
All within the limits established by the regulations.
Sectoral support and liquidity measures
The regulations also introduce support instruments aimed at sectors particularly affected by the increase in energy costs, with a special focus on transport, agriculture, and fisheries.
Among the most noteworthy measures:
A reinsurance line of up to €2 billion for self-employed individuals and SMEs in the road freight transport sector, linked to fuel cards, with applications accepted until June 30, 2026.
Direct aid of €0.20/liter of diesel for certain transport operators.
Increased financing for agriculture and fisheries through the ICO-MAPA-SAECA line, with a budget of €225 million.
These measures aim not only to alleviate liquidity pressures but also to support business viability in particularly vulnerable sectors.
Note: Access to this aid may be conditional upon compliance with certain obligations, especially regarding labor matters, which necessitates a prior analysis of its impact.
Restrictions on Dismissals Linked to Public Aid
The most relevant labor measure is found in Article 62 of the regulation, which introduces a direct restriction on dismissals.
Companies that benefit from direct aid provided for in this Royal Decree-Law 7/2026:
May not dismiss employees due to force majeure or for economic, technical, organizational, or production reasons stemming from the energy situation.
This restriction extends until June 30, 2026.
Non-compliance has particularly significant consequences:
Obligation to repay the aid received.
Dismissal will be deemed null and void.
The restriction is not limited to standard contracts, but also extends to:
Fixed-term intermittent contracts (neither the end of activity nor the lack of call-up can be justified on these grounds).
Cooperatives (they may not reduce employment or alter qualifications for these reasons).
Sustainable Commuting Plans
The regulation brings forward the mandatory implementation of sustainable commuting plans.
The deadline for implementation is reduced from 24 to 12 months for:
Companies with more than 200 employees
Centers with more than 100 employees per shift
The minimum content of these plans must include measures such as:
Active mobility and public transportation
Use of low-emission vehicles
Shared mobility systems
Promotion of teleworking
Road safety during work commutes
This is not merely a formal obligation. It requires planning, documentation, and, in many cases, organizational investment.
Consequences of Non-Compliance for Companies Receiving Aid
Article 64 of Royal Decree-Law 7/2026 introduces a significant additional consequence: Companies required to have a sustainable mobility plan that also receive direct aid must reimburse this aid if they fail to comply with this obligation.
Other Relevant Provisions
The final part of the regulation includes additional provisions with indirect implications for the socio-labor sphere.
On the one hand, it allows for the expansion of the territorial scope of certain agricultural measures linked to meteorological phenomena, which may affect specific sectors.
On the other hand, it declares that certain Social Security-related credits are expandable in 2026, including:
Supplements to minimum pensions
Non-contributory benefits
Family protection
Minimum living income
These measures reflect an increase in social spending that may have an indirect impact on contributions, system financing, and future policies.
You can contact this professional office for any questions or clarifications you may have.
