We all know that ATC in Spain is not the best. However, ATC in Italy is 100 times worst, and the greek one is 100 times worst than the Italian, and so on.
But, I might add that I have had two investigated ASR's down to aircraft separation. One of them made it onto to the local newspaper. The separation between aircraft got to 300' one was descending and my one climbing. Both reports concluded it was down to ATC error. Where did they occur? The light one was between Carlile and Newcastle. The serious one was between Southampton and Compton. Both on UK airspace, in English language and English ATC.
Regarding ATC giving priority to the Spanish airlines well it is true for the most part. Funnilly enough over in Madrid they are pretty good at it. I have seen, quite a few times, Iberia, Spanair and Air Europa holding for me. Nevertheless, in Malaga or Alicante is ussually the opposite. Almeria is a world o their own.
