Spain is increasing scrutiny over the transparency of European fund usage following the rail tragedy in Adamuz (Cordoba), where 46 people died in January. A new investigation, launched by the European Public Prosecutor’s Office, could change the way infrastructure projects are monitored if suspicions of EU funds misuse are confirmed. Questions regarding the quality of work and financial management are becoming crucial for future investments in the country’s transport system.
According to El Pais, the European Public Prosecutor’s Office has officially opened an inquiry into the use of EU funds for railway repairs in Adamuz. This investigation runs parallel to the case led by the court in Montoro (Cordoba), which is examining the causes of the Iryo train crash involving an Alvia train. For the first time, Spain’s judicial system faces a situation where two bodies are simultaneously analyzing different aspects of the same tragedy: one focuses on the technical causes of the accident, while the other investigates possible financial irregularities during the project’s implementation.
Two investigations
Judge José Luis Calama has been appointed as part of the European investigation to oversee procedural safeguards. For several weeks, European prosecutors have been examining whether EU funds were used in the Adamuz project and, if so, whether they were spent appropriately. According to El Pais, after confirming funding from the EU budget, the prosecution began taking active measures. Judge Calama will not be conducting the investigation directly, but will supervise the legality of restrictive measures, such as authorizing searches or wiretaps.
At the same time, the Montoro court continues to investigate the cause of the accident. Preliminary data suggest the leading theory is a weld break between rails from different years of manufacture and varying hardness. The Independent Railway Accident Investigation Commission (CIAF) has already confirmed that, a day before the tragedy, there were interruptions in the signaling system’s power supply on this section. Hitachi, responsible for maintaining signaling for Adif, has provided a report on malfunctions that may have affected traffic safety.
Questions over the quality of work
The Montoro court is awaiting the results of the black box examination and analysis of the damaged rail. Despite some disagreements between the court and technical experts from the Ministry of Transport regarding the seizure of materials, no official allegations of corruption have been recorded at this stage. However, the launch of a European investigation introduces a new level of uncertainty and could lead to a review of oversight standards for infrastructure projects in Spain.
If violations in the use of EU funds are uncovered, the consequences could be serious—from tighter controls to a revision of funding schemes. For Spain, where a significant portion of major infrastructure projects are carried out with the support of the European Union, such investigations serve as an indicator of transparency and effective governance.
Background and similar cases
In recent years, Spain has already faced investigations related to the use of European funds for transport projects. For example, in 2024, spending on tram line upgrades in Valencia was audited, and in 2025, questions arose regarding contractors during the construction of a high-speed highway in Galicia. In both cases, inspections revealed shortcomings in reporting and quality control, leading to stricter audit procedures. These events highlight how important it is for the country to maintain trust in the system for allocating and using European investments, especially in strategically important sectors.
