Infringement procedure initiated against the Spanish State for failure to comply with the rules on various railway safety processes

28.10.2019

Question for written answer  E-003499/2019
to the Commission
Rule 138
Pernando Barrena Arza (GUE/NGL)

In its replies to parliamentary questions E-004829/2018 and E-000709/2019 concerning the Alvia train accident and the infringement procedure against Spain it had initiated in January 2018 after finding shortcomings in various railway safety processes and the application of railway legislation in Spain — as reflected in the conclusions of the European Railway Agency in its report on the implementation of railway safety and interoperability in Spain — the Commission provided information on the state of play in the procedure.

• 1.Can the Commission now report on the current state of play in the infringement procedure and say when it intends to go before the Court of Justice in view of the slow progress by Spain in this highly serious matter?
• 2.Despite the strong commitment to the victims of this accident by Commissioner Bulc and her urging the Spanish investigative body — the Railway Accident Investigation Committee (CIAF) — to carry out an independent investigation, CIAF has failed to carry out such an investigation. Will the Commission again recommend that the Spanish State fulfil this obligation?