Source: European Parliament
Priority question for written answer P-002790/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Borja Giménez Larraz (PPE)
The Spanish rail network is deteriorating alarmingly, as evidenced by repeated technical failures. On 30 June 2025, a serious failure of the catenary between Yeles and La Sagra (Toledo) halted all high-speed rail traffic between Madrid and Andalusia. At least 27 trains remained at a standstill for over 12 hours, with hundreds of passengers on board without food or water – or another way of reaching their destination. On 5 May 2025, a similar failure occurred on the same Madrid-Seville line, affecting more than 10 000 people.
These failures seriously infringe on the passenger rights established in Regulation (EU) 2021/782 and could call into question whether the rail infrastructure, which the EU co-funds, is being properly managed.
In view of this:
- 1.Does the Commission consider that these events could constitute an infringement of rail passengers’ rights and obligations, and does it intend to call for specific corrective action, including technical or contractual responsibilities?
- 2.What instruments does the Commission intend to activate to ensure that passengers are properly compensated and protected against such repeated failures?
Submitted: 9.7.2025