Government splits Air Europa rescue into two installments to avoid EU approval hurdle

In a covert series of meetings, the Spanish government arranged a rescue for Air Europa by splitting the aid into two separate installments, each deliberately kept below the amount that would require individual approval from the European Commission. A document prepared by Air Europa's representatives was forwarded to senior officials nine days before the cabinet gave final consent, explicitly mentioning the threshold concern.

The note was passed through Koldo García Izaguirre to José Luis Ábalos, who then presented it to the SEPI board and the cabinet. Participants in the negotiations included Begoña Gómez and Víctor de Aldama, while Ábalos reportedly received personal compensation for his involvement. The strategy ensured the rescue could proceed without triggering EU oversight.