Spain has been reported to the EU Law Court by the European Commission over AVE (high speed train) environmental issues.

The section of track between Marchena and Antequera – which is under construction but has been at a standstill for years – is continuing to raise blisters. This time its over a protected area for birds.

You see, the line is projected to run between Sevilla and Almeria when it was approved yet it runs through this environmentally protected area. Whereas Brussels has always considered the area of ecological importance, Spain didn’t recognize it as such until it was dragged, kicking and screaming, before its own High Court in 2007. However, the route of the H.S. rail had already been approved and construction work initiated.

The Ecologistas en Acción had raised the alarm and reported the Spanish Government to Brussels, and Brussels presented the case before the E.U Law Courts.

But, the said stretch of lines only exists in some places as a few cuttings; their is no rail, no trains, and more importantly, no money.

Editorial Comment: Doesn’t anybody eat roast chicken in Brussels!

(News: Sevilla, Andalucia