WRITTEN QUESTION E-1877/00 by Konstantinos Hatzidakis (PPE-DE) to the Commission. Progress on the Attica highway and the Athens suburban railway.
Date: 2000-06-09
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: Central Greece, EU financing, airport, public works, rail network, road building

20.2.2001

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 53 E/195

If not, must not the Commission put up with being reproached for applying different standards
3.
(contrary to the Electricity Network Supply Act), especially as its attention has already been drawn more
than once to what are tantamount to subsidies for nuclear-related provisions set aside in Germany
(Questions E-2472/97 (1) and P-2422/99 (2))?

4. What action is planned to put an end to this deplorable state of affairs as soon as possible?

(1) OJ C 76, 11.3.1998, p. 114.
(2) OJ C 203 E, 18.7.2000, p. 171.

Answer given by Mr Monti on behalf of the Commission

(6 July 2000)

The Commission is aware of the facts which the question assesses as a departure from the principles
underpinning tax law and tantamount to aid. However, the Commission needs for its assessment still
further inquiries so that for the time being,
it cannot be said whether it agrees with the Honourable
Member(cid:146)s position.

1.

Due to the fact that the inquiries are not closed yet, no decision has been taken in the matter so far.

2.
The Commission has to examine complaints against breaches of Community competition rules. The
progress of the inquiry into complaints depends upon the individual case and the complexity of the factual
and legal questions which have to be solved in the case concerned.

The Commission will decide upon the appropriate measures and actions after a final assessment of

3.
the facts.

(2001/C 53 E/253)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1877/00

by Konstantinos Hatzidakis (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(9 June 2000)

Subject: Progress on the Attica highway and the Athens suburban railway

The Attica highway, known as the Elefsina (cid:129) Stavrou (cid:129) Spata Airport freeway, is a major project which is
closely associated with the operation of the new airport in Spata and the 2004 Olympic Games. The
original budget of this project was Drs. 450 billion, and it was due to be completed and gradually handed
over between 2001 and 2002. Recently a number of airlines have been threatening to boycott Spata
airport if the above highway leading to the new airport has not been completed. There are also signs that
the suburban railway linking the new airport of Spata and Athens will not be ready for the Olympic
Games in 2004, since the competition for the choice of consultant for the project will be invalidated.

Will the Commission say:

1. What is the overall take-up rate of appropriations for the project so far, what is the delay in the
handover of the project and has any provision been made for the payment of compensation for this
delay?

2. When is the project expected to be opened to traffic given the present rate of construction?

3. What are the consequences likely to be for the operation of Spata airport if the Attica highway is not

completed in time?

4. What exactly is to be done to link the centre of Athens by rail to the new airport of Spata?

C 53 E/196

Official Journal of the European Communities

EN

20.2.2001

Answer given by Mr Barnier on behalf of the Commission

(19 July 2000)

The Commission is collecting the information it needs to answer the question. It will communicate its
findings as soon as possible.

(2001/C 53 E/254)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1880/00

by Brian Crowley (UEN) to the Commission

(9 June 2000)

Subject: Elections in Peru

Given the withdrawal of Presidential candidate Alejandro Toledo from the second round of the Peruvian
Presidential elections and the decision of the Electoral Observation Mission of the Organization of
American States to suspend its election observation of the National Office of Electoral Processes due to
the conduct of the electoral process in that country, will the Commission outline what course of action it
intends to take if this situation is not resolved satisfactorily and having due regard to the holding of an
open, democratic and verifiable second round in the Presidential election?

Answer given by Mr Patten on behalf of the Commission

(30 June 2000)

The Commission has been following the electoral process in Peru closely throughout.

The Union(cid:146)s decision to withdraw its observation mission is a sign of its dissatisfaction with the conditions
in which the poll was held.

The Commission believes that it is necessary to send a strong message to Peru that it will do all it can to
ensure that the principles of democracy and respect for the rule of law are firmly upheld, especially at a
time when democratic systems throughout the region are showing signs of weakness.

In a recent statement, the Union publicly declared its belief that the process of democratic participation in
Peru needed to be strengthened, and that it was ready to support any initiative which might further this
end.

The Union is supporting the Organisation of American States (OAS) mission which is due to arrive in Peru
shortly, and hopes that this may lead to some form of tangible progress.

The OAS mission should therefore be encouraged and supported, as was emphasised in the 9 June
declaration. But the Union must also keep a close watch on developments in Peru, and should be prepared,
if necessary, to reconsider its relations with that country in this perspective.

At the same time, the Commission will give a high priority to the implementation of activities and projects
which are likely to strengthen democratic institutions and advance political pluralism in Peru.

(2001/C 53 E/255)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1896/00

by Michl Ebner (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(16 June 2000)

Subject: Abolition of tax privileges

Over the years Members of the European Parliament, including the author of this question, have repeatedly
pressed, in the form of various parliamentary initiatives, for the abolition of the outmoded tax privileges