WRITTEN QUESTION No. 1816/96 by Roberto MEZZAROMA to the Commission. Utilization of Community funds in southern Italy
Date: 1996-07-05
Institutions: European Parliament, MEZZAROMA
Subjects: Italy, Structural Funds, economic development, rail transport, transport infrastructure, transport network, use of aid













EUR-Lex - 91996E1816 - EN






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91996E1816

WRITTEN QUESTION No. 1816/96 by Roberto MEZZAROMA to the Commission. Utilization of Community funds in southern Italy  


Official Journal C 385 , 19/12/1996 P. 0045 





WRITTEN QUESTION E-1816/96 by Roberto Mezzaroma (UPE) to the Commission (5 July 1996)Subject: Utilization of Community funds in southern ItalyMost of the structural funding the European Union has earmarked for Italy for the period 1994-1999 is intended for the south of the country.However, among the 14 trans-European network projects which have been given priority, the three major projects which involve Italy directly are located in the north of the country.1. Given that, under the 'high speed' plan drawn up by the Italian railway authorities, almost all modernization and extension work to be carried out is concentrated on the northern part of the rail network, can the Commission, with due respect for the autonomous decision-making powers of the various bodies involved, make appropriate representations with a view to ensuring that greater attention is paid to the needs of the area to the south of the river Garigliano, with particular regard to essential services such as a modern rail network, modernization of the Salerno-Reggio Calabria motorway link (now a matter of urgency) and fitting out of the port of Gioia Tauro, which, with its 5 thousand metres of wharfage, is the largest port facility in the southern Mediterranean and lacks adequate hydraulic structures, for which no less than Lit 4 thousand billion have already been earmarked.2. Given the above, can the Commission propose that ad hoc national public companies be set up to serve as reference points and coordinators, so as to ensure that Community subsidies are properly utilized?Answer given by Mrs Wulf-Mathies on behalf of the Commission (5 September 1996)In the allocation of the structural funds to the southern regions of Italy for the period 1994-1999, considerable emphasis was put on the improvement of the major infrastructures mentioned by the Honourable Member.In particular, 701 MECU in Community aid has already been decided in favour of the state railways company and 40 MECU for the port of Gioia Tauro. A water programme with an aid allocation of 871 MECU has also been approved and a roads programme with aid totalling 249 MECU is currently in the final stages of examination by the Commission.The Commission will follow the implementation of these programmes carefully and remains open to discussions on how they might be improved or reinforced, in the light of implementation experience, the availability of resources and the potential impact on development in the southern regions.As far as the management of large infrastructure projects is concerned the Commission is willing to explore in partnership with the Italian authorities any proposals they may have to ensure the best management of these important investments.