EU fraud probe into Madrid–Seville rail safety funds
EU money meant to improve safety on the Madrid–Seville high-speed rail line is under investigation: prosecutors are examining whether the funds were misused. On 6 November, Madrid mayor José Luis Martínez-Almeida said it was reasonable for the European Public Prosecutor’s Office to look into the case, pointing to the accidents at Adamuz and Urda.
The money was allocated to Spain to renew and improve safety, signalling and communications on the AVE high-speed service. Almeida backed Madrid regional president Isabel Díaz Ayuso’s allegation that the Spanish government had pocketed the funds. That is an allegation, not a finding of the investigation.
Almeida also accused the central government of failing to maintain rail infrastructure. He argued that the lack of new state budgets since 2023 had restricted investment. What the investigation will establish remains unclear.
Source: Europa Press / Mallorca.com