WRITTEN QUESTION E-1716/98

by Florus Wijsenbeek (ELDR) to the Commission

(29 May 1998)

Subject: Long distance rail links

Is the Commission aware that there is no mention whatsoever, in the documentation concerning the financing of the German railway infrastructure, of the share of the programme promised by Germany for the Betuwe line and the HSL-East (Warnemunde Convention of 31 August 1992, Article 2(1b) and 2(2b))? This fact is causing some concern in the Netherlands given the fact that it is essential to know the requisite rail capacity at a later stage of the construction of both the Betuwe line and the HSL-East. As the Commission is aware, the two long-distance connections are essential lines in trans-European networks, as set out in the Treaty of Maastricht.

Does the Commission realise that if these investments are not made promptly or in full this will jeopardise the progress of construction on the routes in question and the speedy completion of the TEN?

Does the Commission also realise that the Netherlands and Belgium are pushing for the construction of the TEN, and in particular the long-distance links, as a means of improving the European economy? The assumption that these improved links for the Benelux countries could be a threat to the national economies is not a consideration that should be taken into account in achieving the objectives which have been set, in particular with regard to the freedom of movement of goods, services and persons on which the functioning of the internal market depends.

Is the Commission prepared to make representations to Germany with regard to the further course of the Betuwe line and the HSL-East on German territory?

If so, in what way?

If not, why not?

Answer given by Mr Kinnock on behalf of the Commission

(8 July 1998)

The German-Dutch intergovernmental agreement of 31 August 1992 concerning the improvement of the German-Dutch rail freight and passenger traffic foresees a series of co-ordinated infrastructure measures which shall be implemented by both Member States in accordance with their relevant responsibilities. The agreement covers the construction of the Betuwe line in the Netherlands and relevant measures to assure necessary increases in freight capacity provision in Germany, as well as the upgrading of the Amsterdam - Utrecht - Emmerich - Oberhausen line for speeds of up to 200 kilometres per hour for passenger traffic.

The measures concerning Germany, which are laid down in the 1992 intergovernmental agreement, are under preparation and will be gradually implemented, according to capacity requirements. Infrastructure improvements at the Oberhausen junction are already under construction. The German five-year infrastructure investment programme, covering the period 1998-2002, foresees investments of 54 million DM for the Emmerich - Oberhausen line which is considered to be sufficient to meet the needs during this period, and which constitutes the first step of a comprehensive medium and long-term investment plan.

Given this situation, the Commission does not see any reason for intervening in the German case. It is confident that the appropriate measures to implement the trans-European transport network in Germany will be carried out with the same commitment as has been demonstrated in the Benelux countries.