Following train disasters, did Spain use EU subsidies? EU launches investigation
In response to the recurrence of Spanish train collisions, the European Union Prosecutor's Office conducts a document investigation into railway infrastructure management companies and the National Railway Safety Administration.
Quick Look
European Union prosecutors have launched an additional investigation into alleged misappropriation of EU subsidies against rail infrastructure management company ADIF and the National Rail Safety Authority in connection with the Spanish train crash that resulted in a large number of deaths.
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Why It Matters
Large train collisions occurred one after another on the Madrid-Seville high-speed rail line in Spain.
Investigation conducted against railway infrastructure management companies, National Railroad Safety Administration, etc.
(Brussels = Yonhap News) Correspondent Hyun Yun-kyung = Following the recurrence of a train collision in Spain last month that resulted in a large number of deaths, the European Union (EU) prosecutors began an additional investigation against the Spanish railway authorities.
The European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO) issued a statement on the 6th (local time) and announced that it had conducted a document investigation at the Madrid offices of railway infrastructure management company ADIF and the National Railway Safety Authority (AESF) with the help of Spanish police.
EPPO is said to be focusing on possible irregularities by Spain's railway authorities in using EU subsidies earmarked for the renovation and modernization of safety, signaling and communication systems on the high-speed rail line linking the capital Madrid with the southern city of Seville.
On the 28th of last month, a major accident occurred near Urda, 130 km south of Madrid, when a high-speed train struck the rear of another stationary train, killing a total of 69 people and injuring more than 100.
EPPO emphasized that there is great public interest in this case, but added that it will not disclose any details related to the investigation.
This is the second time this year that EPPO is conducting an investigation into Spanish railway authorities. Previously, EPPO opened an investigation into allegations of subsidy fraud over whether EU funds allocated for a track replacement project were improperly used after two high-speed trains collided near Adamus, Andalusia, killing 46 people in January.
As large-scale disasters occurred one after another on the same route connecting Madrid and Seville just nine months apart, with well over 100 casualties, doubts about the safety of Spain's high-speed rail are growing.
After this accident, the BBC reported that in Spain, the number of people who are wary of using trains has increased, train services have been canceled on a large scale, and station platforms are seen being empty.
Open Questions
- What is the specific amount of fraudulent use of EU subsidies?
- How are those responsible for railway authorities punished?
