The European deadline to assess risks in the railway sector expired the day before the disaster
Spain missed a crucial European deadline to evaluate risks in the railway sector, raising concerns about safety in critical services.
The article discusses Spain's failure to meet a European Union deadline for assessing risks in the railway sector, as mandated by the EU's Resilience Directive. The deadline, which passed just before the railway accidents in Adamuz and Gelida, required Spain to evaluate risks in all essential services and implement a response strategy by January 17, 2026. However, Spain has not conducted this assessment, leading to potential safety risks in its transport infrastructure.
The failure to comply with EU directives highlights ongoing challenges within the Spanish government, particularly the Ministry of Interior's inability to transpose important legislation meant to protect critical services. The directive emphasizes the need for comprehensive risk evaluation and response strategies to enhance resilience against potential disasters. However, with deadlines being missed, there are concerns about the preparedness of Spain's critical infrastructure in the event of an emergency.
As Spain continues to grapple with these issues, the implications of non-compliance with EU requirements could lead to not only safety risks but also potential repercussions from the EU, including legal actions. This situation casts a shadow over the effectiveness of Spain's governance structures related to public safety and raises questions about the prioritization of transport safety amidst competing political and administrative challenges.