This stance by the European Commission comes in response to an inquiry from the European People's Party (EPP), which questioned the condition of the tracks following a tragic accident in Adamuz, Córdoba, on January 18, where 46 people died. The question focused on whether the deterioration of track elements had been assessed before allocating 111,646,340 euros from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) for the replacement of rails and sleepers.
The Executive Vice-President for Cohesion and Reforms, Raffaele Fitto, in his communication to PP MEP Juan Ignacio Zoido, clarified that community regulations permit the use of obsolete technologies or infrastructure in the high-speed network. However, this authorization is contingent on the Member State's Government ensuring the implementation of additional safety measures to offset the age of these elements.
“"The primary responsibility for preventing, detecting, and correcting any irregularities lies with the Member States, which are obliged to establish effective management and control systems, including anti-fraud measures."
Brussels had allocated a significant sum for the renovation of 435.2 kilometers of the 471 that make up this railway axis, inaugurated in April 1992. The justification for this investment was that the corridor had become obsolete compared to the rest of the Spanish high-speed network. Fitto acknowledged that railway equipment has an extended lifespan, allowing national authorities to continue using assets or technologies that no longer comply with current interoperability standards.
Nevertheless, the EC Vice-President emphasized that the decision to recycle these materials rests with the Spanish Government, provided that the necessary safety measures are adopted to prevent accidents. The Commission stresses that it is not its responsibility to control the execution of works funded by European funds, but rather that responsibility lies with the Member States.
“"Brussels is not distancing itself from the Government's and Minister Puente's version, but rather directly shifting responsibility onto them."
Andalusian MEP Juan Ignacio Zoido interpreted the EC's response as a confirmation that Spanish authorities were responsible for the management and control of the infrastructure. Zoido lamented the lack of explanations and resignations following the accident, criticizing the management of the Ministry of Transport and the subsequent decisions by Adif and the Sánchez Government, which he considers a disrespect to the victims.
