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EU Funds To Spain Railways Fraud Investigation

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Guardia Civil officers pay tribute to victims of Urda train crash. Credit: GC

Spain’s railway network is facing renewed scrutiny after the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) opened a second investigation into possible fraud involving European Union funding allocated to the Madrid-Seville high-speed railway.

Announced on Friday, November 6, the investigation follows the October 28 disaster near Urda, Toledo, in which 69 people died. It comes just months after a separate European investigation was launched following January’s fatal accident at Adamuz, Cordoba Province, which claimed 46 lives.

EU investigators visit three Spanish institutions

The EPPO confirmed that investigative measures were being carried out at the offices of ADIF, Spain’s railway infrastructure manager, the State Railway Safety Agency (AESF) and the country’s Court of Auditors. The investigation is being supported by the Guardia Civil’s Central Operational Unit (UCO) and was opened on the European prosecutor’s own initiative.

Investigators are examining possible fraud involving European funds allocated to the renovation and upgrading of safety, signalling and communications systems on the Madrid-Seville high-speed line.

The European Public Prosecutor’s Office announcement of the second investigation confirms that another investigation concerning the same railway corridor was opened in March 2026.

In that earlier case, prosecutors examined possible fraud involving European funding earmarked for railway maintenance near Adamuz. EWN previously reported on the European criminal investigation into alleged misuse of railway maintenance funds.The EPPO has not released any more details about the latest investigation, including the specific contracts or individuals involved.

More than €110 million in European funding

Questions over how railway investment has been managed are particularly important given the scale of European funding allocated to the route. Quite simply, an important question for the public is whether the money allocated to improving the railway has delivered the promised work.

In June 2024, the European Commission approved more than €110 million from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) to modernise the Madrid-Seville railway. The funding was intended to improve 435.2 kilometres of the 471-kilometre route, with works including rail replacement, improvements to bridges and tunnels, and drainage upgrades.

The European Commission’s announcement of the €110 million railway investment outlined the project’s objectives, including improving reliability and bringing infrastructure into line with European standards.

However, the Commission’s €110 million grant has not been identified by the EPPO as the specific amount involved in its latest investigation.

Two disasters, one railway corridor

The two accidents have raised serious questions about the condition and management of Spain’s high-speed railway infrastructure. However, the European investigations into possible misuse of funds are separate from the judicial investigations examining the causes of the crashes and any potential criminal responsibility.

No finding of fraud has been made yet, and the opening of an investigation does not establish that European money was misappropriated or that any financial irregularity contributed to either disaster.

For passengers and visitors who regularly use Spain’s high-speed trains, the questions surrounding railway investment and safety are likely to attract considerable attention.

With two European investigations now concerning the same corridor already underway, attention will turn to whether the money allocated to improving the railway delivered the work and safety improvements promised, or if it went elsewhere.

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Almuñecar Turns Up The Volume

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Musical November in Almuñecar. Credit: Casa de la Cultura Almuñecar

Queen, Beatles, flamenco and heavy metal headline Costa Tropical’s November cultural programme.

Almuñecar is getting ready for a busy fortnight of entertainment, with a varied November cultural programme bringing live music, dance, classical performances and some familiar tribute acts to the Costa Tropical.

Music, film and music in Almuñecar

From heavy metal and flamenco to the music of Queen and The Beatles, the programme offers plenty of choice for residents and visitors looking for something to do as the autumn season continues. The latest events follow the town’s Almuñecar jazz festival and its Jazz en Otoño autumn music programme.

One of the first events takes place on Friday, November 13, when the Casa de la Cultura hosts Un concierto de película at 8pm. Combining music, cinema and charity, the concert features the Motril choir Son de Caña and supports humanitarian work through the ACOES Honduras foundation.

Metal fans will have a very different experience the following afternoon. The second Sexitanian Falling Metal festival arrives at Parque El Majuelo on Saturday, November 14, from 5pm. Five bands from across Spain are scheduled to perform: Fallen At Dawn, Inyourface, Bourbon Kings, Inxight and El Santo. Further information and tickets for Sexitanian Falling Metal II are available from the organisers.

Saturday evening brings a change of pace, with contemporary dance production ILOCUO taking to the stage at the Casa de la Cultura at 8pm. Classical music lovers can return on Sunday, November 15, when Cuarteto Arriaga performs at 7pm.

From Flamenco to Afro-Cuban rhythms

The programme continues on Thursday, November 19, with Noches de Tango, followed by Sireré Flamenco on Friday, November 20. The latter combines traditional flamenco with Afro-Cuban rhythms in a production featuring dancer Laura García.

One of the most anticipated performances could be The Gospel of Queen, arriving on Saturday, November 21, at 8pm. The production combines the legendary British rock band’s music with gospel singing, featuring Bohemians and Gospel Sounds Granada.

Sunday, November 22, brings two more musical events. The Almuñecar Municipal Band celebrates Santa Cecilia, patron saint of musicians, with a concert at 1pm. Admission is free, subject to available capacity.

Beatles fans can then enjoy an evening with tribute act The Silver Beats, performing at 7pm at the Casa de la Cultura.

Music is not the only attraction in the wider November programme. Almuñecar is also hosting literary activities, historical talks, storytelling sessions for children and cultural exhibitions.

With events catering for very different musical tastes, the town is offering residents and visitors plenty of reasons to enjoy its cultural calendar beyond the summer months. The town’s official Almuñecar events calendar provides further information about local activities.

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London Remembers: King Charles Leads Remembrance Sunday

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Cenotaph on Remembrance Sunday. Credit: @RoyalFamily X

Britain fell silent on Sunday, November 8, as King Charles led the nation’s Remembrance Sunday commemorations at the Cenotaph in London’s Whitehall, where thousands of veterans gathered to honour those who died serving their country.

The annual ceremony began with the traditional two-minute silence at 11am, followed by the Last Post and the laying of wreaths at the national war memorial. The UK Government’s National Service of Remembrance brought together members of the Royal Family, political leaders and representatives of the Armed Forces.

The King laid the first wreath, followed by members of the Royal Family, including Prince William. Queen Camilla and Catherine, Princess of Wales, watched proceedings from the Foreign Office balcony.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham also laid a wreath, alongside senior political leaders. An unusual feature of this year’s ceremony was the presence of nine former prime ministers: John Major, Tony Blair, Gordon Brown, David Cameron, Theresa May, Boris Johnson, Liz Truss, Rishi Sunak and Keir Starmer.

Thousands of veterans march through Whitehall

Around 10,000 veterans took part in the Royal British Legion’s annual Cenotaph Parade, representing more than 300 Armed Forces and civilian organisations.

The British Royal Family arrives at the Cenotaph in central London to attend the National Service of Remembrance https://t.co/TTKuFTEXpB

— Imperial Material (@ImplMaterial) November 8, 2026

Among those attending were some of Britain’s last surviving Second World War veterans, with organisers reporting that only around a dozen were expected to participate this year. Their presence offered a poignant reminder that the generation who witnessed the conflict first-hand is gradually disappearing.

Younger generations also took part, including bereaved children and military cadets, ensuring that remembrance continues beyond those who experienced war themselves.

London cabbies give veterans a free ride

Away from the formal ceremony, another remarkable tradition was taking place across the capital. Hundreds of London’s black cab drivers volunteered their time and vehicles to transport veterans to and from the Cenotaph, without charging a penny.

With the final livery applied today, the five liveried Cabs-for-Veterans met together for the first time together

Thank you to Ubiquitous for their generosity. https://t.co/MWdVOj2sVD

— Cabs-for-Veterans (@PoppyCabs) October 9, 2026

The initiative, now called Cabs-for-Veterans, was previously known as Poppy Cabs and has been operating since 2009.

Drivers collected veterans from major railway stations and other meeting points, taking them to Whitehall so they could attend the national service and march past. After the ceremony, taxis lined up on Westminster Bridge to take veterans home, back to their hotels or to railway stations.

The organisers arranged between 700 and 1,000 free taxi journeys during the morning operation, with drivers, taxi trainees and family members helping to coordinate the service.

The idea was funded entirely by the drivers themselves and is particularly valuable for older veterans and those with limited mobility. London’s black cabs are wheelchair accessible, helping people who might otherwise struggle to attend.

Remembering those who made the ultimate sacrifice

This year’s gathering once again brought together the Royal Family, political leaders, serving personnel, veterans and members of the public.

An incredible sight as the Household Cavalry and the Foot Guards marched from Wellington Barracks to Whitehall this morning for the National Service of Remembrance at the Cenotaph.

🎥 @KingsGuardTours
📆 8 November 2026
📍 Wellington Barracks, London

#RemembranceSunday #Cenotaph #FootGuards #HouseholdCavalry #LestWeForget

— Kings Guard Tours (@KingsGuardTours) November 8, 2026

For the dwindling number of Second World War veterans able to attend, it was another opportunity to remember fallen comrades. For younger generations, it was a chance to demonstrate that their sacrifices have not been forgotten.

For British residents living in Spain, the annual ceremony also has a familiar connection. Remembrance Day continues to hold special meaning for Brits abroad, with communities across the country organising their own services and tributes.

And for the London cabbies giving up their Sunday, the message was simple: those who served should never be left behind.

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Mijas Families Need Support

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A few euros added at the supermarket till this weekend could help ensure families in Mijas have food on the table. Seventeen local supermarkets are taking part in Bancosol’s Great Collection on Friday, November 13 and Saturday, November 14, inviting shoppers to make a small donation while doing their usual shopping.

Easy ways to help

Rather than collecting tins and packets at the door, Bancosol is asking for financial donations this year. At the checkout, customers can tell the cashier how much they would like to give, and the amount is added to their receipt.

There is no set amount and no pressure to give. Whether someone can spare €1 or a little more, every contribution helps Bancosol buy the food its partner organisations need most.

Participating stores in Mijas include familiar names such as Mercadona, Carrefour and El Corte Ingles, so many residents will be able to take part during an ordinary shopping trip.

Helping neighbours in Mijas

Bancosol, the Costa del Sol Food Bank, currently supports 483 people in Mijas. Of these, 190 are children and young people.

Across the wider province, the organisation helps 20,589 people through 129 local charities and community groups. Of that total, 5,094 are minors.

For families already stretched by rising living costs, reliable access to everyday essentials can make a real difference. Financial donations allow Bancosol to buy items when they are needed, including fresh produce and products with shorter shelf lives.

Volunteers are always welcome

Bancosol is also looking for volunteers to help during the two-day collection. Volunteers will welcome customers, explain the campaign and let people know how they can donate at the till.

Shifts last approximately three to four hours and are available in the morning or afternoon. Some volunteers have already completed the necessary training, but more people are needed to cover all participating stores.

Anyone who would like to help can call 621 30 72 92 for information or to sign up.

A community effort

Mijas Town Council is supporting the campaign, together with the local association Sembrando Sonrisas Cosechando Felicidad, which translates as “Sowing Smiles, Harvesting Happiness”.

The initiative is part of Bancosol’s wider Great Collection across Malaga province, which will involve 285 supermarkets and aims to raise €450,000. The money is intended to help maintain food supplies for vulnerable households until spring.

Bancosol’s president, Diego Vazquez, has stressed that volunteers make a visible difference to the amount raised, particularly in smaller towns where fewer people may already know about the campaign.

For Mijas’s international community, the collection is an opportunity to support neighbours who may be having a difficult time. No specialist knowledge is needed, and a donation can be made in the same visit as a weekly food shop.

How to take part

– Visit a participating supermarket in Mijas on Friday, November 13 or Saturday, November 14.
– Ask the cashier to add a donation to your receipt.
– Consider volunteering for a morning or afternoon shift.
– Call 621 30 72 92 to find out more or register as a volunteer.

For more information on the wonderful work they do, visit the Bancosol official website. Every contribution, no matter the size, can help the families who need it most.

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