The European Investment Bank (EIB) has announced the signing of a EUR 350 million loan with Adif and Adif AV to fund significant improvements in Spain’s conventional and high-speed railway infrastructure. This loan is part of a broader EUR 830 million investment program that aims to enhance the safety, sustainability, and resilience of the country’s railway network, including key renovations and upgrades to infrastructure components and communication systems.
The agreement emphasizes EIB’s commitment to supporting a sustainable transport model in line with its strategy as the EU Climate Bank. The project will provide essential upgrades to rail infrastructure, aiming to make train travel more reliable and attractive, thereby encouraging greater use of environmentally friendly transport options.
Targeted investments across Spain
The EUR 350 million loan will fund a range of projects, including the renewal of key infrastructure elements, the installation of advanced communications technologies, and the enhancement of operational resilience to climate change. These improvements are designed to minimize disruptions caused by climate-related challenges and optimize the efficiency of Spain’s railway network.
For the high-speed network, the investment will focus on installing anti-fall safety barriers, improving drainage systems, upgrading technical installation access, and enhancing telecommunications, security, and energy systems. On the conventional network, projects will include the removal of level crossings, track renewal, and the expansion of the GSM-R communication system to additional rail lines.
Promoting sustainable mobility
Pedro Marco de la Peña, President of Adif and Adif AV, stressed the importance of this partnership with the EIB, noting that the funding would enable Adif to continue offering high-quality service to users through comprehensive renovations and upgrades. The project is also aligned with broader national and EU mobility goals, aiming to strengthen railways as a key part of Spain’s sustainable transport system.
“The cooperation with the EIB is essential for Adif and Adif AV to continue to promote railways as a sustainable and resilient means of transport at the heart of the new mobility model demanded by the citizens. The loan signed today will enable us to maintain the highest quality standards already offered by our railway network to users, through a range of renovation and upgrading measures for the different railway systems,” said Pedro Marco de la Peña.
Advancing regional cohesion and climate resilience
A significant portion of the funding will benefit regions with lower-than-average per capita income, contributing to improved connectivity and bolstering economic and territorial cohesion. Jean-Christophe Laloux, EIB Director General and Head of EU Lending and Advisory, highlighted the positive impact of a safe and reliable rail network on both the economy and the environment. He emphasized that investments in rail infrastructure play a crucial role in making rail transport more competitive compared to more polluting alternatives.
As part of the agreement, the EIB will also provide advisory services to help Adif enhance the resilience of its infrastructure to climate change. This strategic partnership focuses on incorporating climate impact analysis into investment decisions, assessing the potential costs and benefits of measures to improve infrastructure resilience.
“This new financing agreement with Adif – a strategic partner for the EIB – will enable important investments to be made in Spanish railway infrastructure, reinforcing its safety, resilience and sustainability. A safe and reliable rail network is essential to maintain the attractiveness of railways over more polluting forms of transport, with clear benefits for the economy and the environment,” Jean-Christophe Laloux, said.
Long-term partnership
The EIB and Adif have a long-standing partnership, with previous investments aimed at modernizing and expanding Spain’s railway network. Notably, in July 2024, the two organizations signed a EUR 430 million loan to support the “Y vasca” high-speed rail line, a project designed to improve rail connections between major Basque cities and other key Spanish and European locations. To date, the EIB has invested over EUR 13.5 billion in Spain’s high-speed rail infrastructure.
This latest loan agreement reinforces the EIB’s role in driving innovation and sustainability in Europe’s transport sector, with a focus on climate resilience and the development of more efficient, eco-friendly transport systems.
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