Executive Vice-President Fitto, responding to a parliamentary question from MEP Borja Giménez Larraz (PPE), stated that the European Commission currently lacks the information to assess whether Spain's disbursement pace for the Algeciras-Madrid-Zaragoza rail motorway is consistent with its funding commitments. The answer, delivered on behalf of the Commission, signals that while EU funds have been allocated under the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) and the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF), the Commission will only evaluate the project's progress when payment requests are submitted later in 2026. Fitto warned that if milestones are not met, the Commission can suspend payments under Article 24 of the RRF Regulation.
The question, submitted on 3 March 2026, sought details on total EU funding allocated, the disbursement pace, and steps to ensure timely completion. Fitto clarified that under Spain's Recovery and Resilience Plan, several measures (C6.I1, C6.I3, C6.I4) cover the Mediterranean Corridor, including the Algeciras-Madrid-Zaragoza section, but the Commission has not yet assessed their fulfilment as the last payment request is expected in the second half of 2026. Under CEF, Spain received €2,426,090 for one project directly related to the rail motorway, with an end date of 30 September 2026. The Commission has not assessed this project's fulfilment either.
Policy orientation and institutional follow-up Fitto's answer is largely procedural, avoiding substantive comment on delays or disbursement pace. It reflects a cautious approach: the Commission will rely on formal milestone assessments rather than proactive monitoring. The mention of possible suspension under Article 24 is a standard legal reminder, not a threat. The answer does not provide a breakdown of total EU funding or percentage spent, citing lack of information. This suggests that the Commission is waiting for Spain to submit payment requests before taking a stance. The next milestone is the second half of 2026, when the RRF payment request is due. If Spain fails to meet targets, the Commission could suspend funds, but no immediate action is signalled.
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