Spain’s Vice President of the State Company Participation Agency (SEPI), Bartolomé Lora, has acknowledged meetings occurred regarding the Air Europa bailout before the official application period opened. Lora testified before a judge, but denied any wrongdoing in the granting of the financial rescue. These meetings took place in July 2020 and involved representatives from Globalia, SEPI, and the Ministry of Economy. He clarified that the discussions were preliminary and did not involve details of the final aid package. Lora maintains the rescue operation adhered to all legal requirements. The acknowledgment of these pre-application discussions raises questions about transparency in the process, despite assertions of legality. Further investigation is ongoing to determine if any impropriety occurred during the bailout negotiations.