Spanish MEP Borja Giménez Larraz (PPE) has asked the European Commission whether the presence of rail components without verified traceability on the TEN-T network complies with EU safety law, and whether Spain has notified the finding to the Commission and the European Union Agency for Railways (ERA). The written question, submitted on 10 April 2026, follows press reports that a rail installed near the site of the January 2026 Adamuz (Córdoba) accident—which killed 46 people—had a serial number not matching the manufacturer's records. ArcelorMittal reportedly confirmed it could not prove the rail's traceability and recommended its immediate replacement.
Article 10 of Directive (EU) 2016/797 on the interoperability of the rail system, which requires that components placed on the market be traceable, and Article 11 of the same directive, which obliges Member States to notify the Commission and ERA of any safety-related finding. Giménez Larraz also highlights that infrastructure manager ADIF replaced 42 metres of track and removed welds without first informing the judicial authority investigating the accident, prompting the judge to request explanations.
Policy orientation and ambition The question signals a push for stricter enforcement of rail safety rules and greater transparency in accident investigations. By invoking specific legal provisions, the MEP seeks to determine whether Spain has complied with its notification duties and whether the Commission views the presence of untraceable components as a breach of EU law. The question does not propose new legislation but pressures the Commission to clarify existing obligations.
Expected follow-up The Commission is required to reply within approximately six weeks. Its answer will indicate whether it considers the matter a serious compliance issue or a national procedural matter, and may signal future enforcement actions or recommendations for Spain's high-speed network. The reply will also clarify the Commission's interpretation of traceability requirements under the Interoperability Directive.
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