00:00The European Public Prosecutor's Office, the EU body that investigates fraud involving
00:05European funds, has opened a probe into possible fraud over renovation of Spain's Madrid-Serie
00:10high-speed rail line.
00:11The EPPO launched the investigation on its own initiative.
00:15It concerns EU money for upgrades to safety, signaling and communication systems.
00:21Spanish authorities have begun gathering evidence.
00:24The EU provided 111 million euros for the project in 2024.
00:30The probe follows two deadly crashes on the line, 46 people died in January, while 69
00:35were killed in the October 28 crash near Urda.
00:39Meanwhile, applications for compensation have opened for those affected by the latest crash.
00:46Families of victims and injured passengers can apply until the 5th of February, 2027.
00:51More than 100 people were estimated to have been injured.
00:54The aid includes grants for immediate needs and advance payments of future compensation.
