WRITTEN QUESTION E-1046/01

by Camilo Nogueira Román (Verts/ALE) to the Commission

(3 April 2001)

Subject: Galicia's integration in the trans-European transport networks by means of high-speed rail services

The Spanish central government, in agreement with the regional government of Galicia, which are both in the hands of the same political force, has submitted an access plan for high-speed trains to Galicia covering the period 2001-2007. However, the information available shows that the plan is not based on the approach required for trans-European high-speed rail networks, either in its general guidelines or in the technical solutions chosen. As well as failing to guarantee implementation in the period 2000-2007, the central government's plan does not envisage the electrification of Galicia's entire internal network, does not upgrade the main Atlantic line between Ferrol and Vigo or the Vigo-Oporto section linking Galicia to the Oporto-Lisbon mainline to a double track, and also makes no provision for a double track on the sections linking Santiago and Orense, Orense and Puebla de Sanabria and Monforte and Ponferrada. The project is designed more as a link between Galicia and Madrid, in the centre of the peninsula, than as a link between Galicia and the north of the peninsula, Portugal and the centre of Europe, which is what Galician society and the Galician economy need and would reflect the thinking behind the TETNs. Moreover, the state budget estimates for the 2000-2004 term do not include any appropriations earmarked for this plan.

Is the Commission aware of these discriminatory projects? Will the Commission demand that the Spanish government use European funds in accordance with the European Union's objectives of regional balance and social cohesion, thus promoting Galicia's integration in the trans-European high-speed rail networks in the period 2000-2007?

Answer given by Mrs de Palacio on behalf of the Commission

(6 June 2001)

According to the information in the Commission's possession the cooperation agreement concluded between, in particular, the Spanish Minister of Equipment and the Government of Galicia for the purpose of improving the railway network is aimed at the network within Galicia.

The Commission feels that it would be useful to point out once more that it is Parliament and Council Decision No 1692/96 of 23 July 1996 on Community guidelines for the development of the trans-European transport network(1) which sets out the terms of reference, at European level, for expanding that network. The latter thus consists of a high-speed railway network comprising new lines to be built and existing lines to be upgraded, together with a conventional railway network generally consisting of existing lines. The Santiago-Ourense section forms part of the conventional railway network, whereas the Monforte-Ponferrada section has been entered as lines to be upgraded for high speed. The abovementioned decision does not however specify the number of tracks nor requires that the conventional railway network be electrified. Council Directive 96/48/EC of 23 July 1996 on the interoperability of the high-speed trans-European railway system applies to the high-speed railway network(2).

The decision referred to above also identifies a list of specific projects. However, on 24 April 2001 Parliament and the Council adopted an amendment to that decision relating, inter alia, to that list. That amendment will replace project No 8 by the projected multi-modal link between Portugal and Spain consisting, in particular, of the A Coruña-Lisbon corridor, the latter including conventional sections between Vigo and Oporto and Ferrol and Vigo. That amendment thus represents a new political support at Community level for developing the railway route linking Galicia with the Oporto-Lisbon route referred to by the Honourable Member.

The Commission feels, as regards the aims concerning territorial balance and economic and social cohesion that, if account is taken of the trans-European road network linking Galicia with the other regions, all of the provisions set out in the Community decision referred to above relating to that region should help significantly to improve the links between Galicia and the other regions. It should be borne in mind as regards the use of Community financial assistance that decisions to grant Community funding are taken in accordance with the rules applying to each individual financial instrument.

(1) OJ L 228, 9.9.1996.

(2) OJ L 235, 17.9.1996.