European Commissioner for Transport, Mr Tzitzikostas, has told the European Parliament that the Spanish authorities are responsible for providing information on the Sant Vicenç de Calders–Tarragona–Nudo de Vila-seca subsection of the Mediterranean Corridor, and that the Commission cannot urge them to act beyond its legal powers. The answer, given on behalf of the Commission, seeks to clarify the division of competences between EU and national levels on the modernisation of this conventional rail line, which is co-financed by the Connecting Europe Facility.
The answer was given in response to a written question by Borja Giménez Larraz (PPE, Spain), who asked why the Spanish authorities had not yet provided the environmental impact assessment and alternative route information requested by the European Parliament's Committee on Petitions (PETI) in January 2025. The MEP also asked whether the Commission would urge Spain to carry out specific impact assessments and what measures it would take if EU rules were breached.
Tzitzikostas's reply contains no concrete proposals, numerical targets, or deadlines. It is a declarative statement reaffirming the Commission's position that railway planning and technical solutions are national competences, and that modernisation of existing infrastructure does not require environmental impact assessments under EU law. The Commissioner noted that a Spanish government study on future railway planning in the Tarragona area exists but its results have not yet been presented.
The policy orientation is one of deference to member state authority, with the Commission limiting its role to vigilance and potential action only if legal obligations are breached. The answer avoids any commitment to intervene or pressure Spain, instead directing the MEP to contact Spanish authorities directly.
Expected institutional follow-up is minimal: the Commission will continue to monitor TEN-T implementation but has signalled no further action unless a formal infringement is identified. The answer effectively closes the parliamentary channel on this issue, leaving petitioners and the PETI committee to pursue the matter with national authorities.