Miguel Praga

💵 La Comisión Europea criticó la falta de independencia de la Oficina de Conflictos de Intereses de España, tras validar la actuación de Pedro Sánchez en el rescate de Air Europa con 475 millones de euros. Informes de 2022 y 2023 ya alertaban sobre la autonomía del organismo, vinculado al Ministerio de Transformación Digital y la Función Pública. La Oficina desestimó una denuncia contra Sánchez por conflictos de interés relacionados con el rescate de la aerolínea.

🛫 Starting September 1, the EU reinstates the 100ml liquid limit for carry-on luggage despite new CT scanners in airports. The UK, with some airports already equipped with these scanners, allowed more than 100ml and electronic devices without removal, yet has not reversed this decision, expecting full updates by 2025. Full EU compliance could take years, with Italy's CT-equipped airports now also reverting to enforcing the liquid restriction.

💰 Juan José Hidalgo, presidente de Air Europa, expresses joy for his grandchildren and Spain after Iberia's resignation, seemingly forgetting his workers. Despite affirming Air Europa's viability alone, internal consensus is that sustaining the airline without Iberia is a "mission impossible" due to overwhelming debt, the desire of his children to sell, and increasing competition. Air Europa must repay ICO credit, SEPI aid, and interest, while facing a grim financial forecast and tough competition from Iberia intensified by EU regulations.

📊 The European Commission in Brussels wields vast discretionary power over commercial competition without objective norms to limit decision-making. Iberia, unsure of regulatory outcomes, abandoned its Air Europa acquisition, while Lufthansa's ITA purchase faced similar uncertainties. Dominant market positions are scrutinized; Mercadona and Ryanair must be cautious despite gaining influence through quality and competitive pricing. Amadeus, with an 80% market share, and global tech giants face less regulatory attention. Consumer protection in aviation raises questions about competition and public subsidies. Clearer competition regulations are needed to prevent corruption and ensure market access for new competitors.