WRITTEN QUESTION E-0329/01 by Alexandros Alavanos (GUE/NGL) to the Commission. State support for the transfer of Olympic Airways to Spata airport.
Date: 2001-02-13
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: Greece, State aid, aid for restructuring, air transport, control of State aid, transfer of businesses, transport company

18.9.2001

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 261 E/91

(2001/C 261 E/094)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0328/01

by Alexandros Alavanos (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

(13 February 2001)

Subject: Cigarette smuggling

There are persistent reports that legally established European cigarette production, storage and distribution
companies are also involved in cigarette smuggling in the EU. The Commission has already taken action
against two major American companies in this matter.

Given that cigarettes produced by the European cigarette industry are also marketed in the EU countries,
will the Commission say:

1. Does it have any information about the involvement of legally established European companies in
cigarette smuggling? Does it also intend to take action against such companies should there be
sufficient information to back the charges?

2. Which elements of this information are available and can be communicated to us?

Answer given by Mrs Schreyer on behalf of the Commission

(23 April 2001)

The European Anti-fraud Office (OLAF) is looking at all aspects involving cigarette smuggling into the
Community which affect the Communities financial interests. In this context, the Task Group Cigarettes is
working closely with the relevant authorities in the Member States and certain third countries to identify
the principals and organisations behind these activities.

Especially, when cigarettes are produced within the Community, exported to third countries, and
subsequently illegally reintroduced into the Community, there is a Community competence for carrying
investigations in the field of cigarettes produced in the Community and
out investigations, even if
subsequently diverted without payment of taxes and duties within the Community, fall more generally
within the responsibility of the Member States.

Investigations in this area are on-going. At this stage, it is therefore not appropriate to provide further
details.

(2001/C 261 E/095)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0329/01

by Alexandros Alavanos (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

(13 February 2001)

Subject: State support for the transfer of Olympic Airways to Spata airport

According to Commission Decision 1999/332/EC (1), Article 57, second indent, Olympic Airways (OA)
will have to (cid:145)ensure that the compensation to be granted by Greece for the loss of investment at
Hellenikon airport will actually be available in time for the projected investments to be carried out at
Spata airport. Otherwise, the company could be exposed to larger cash requirements.(cid:146)

The Greek Government has also announced its intention of making use of the remaining aid authorised for
loan guarantees to cover loans in respect of the transfer to Spata Airport with an indicative budget of GRD
70,2 billion, together with a specific analysis every three months and work which must be carried out.

C 261 E/92

Official Journal of the European Communities

EN

18.9.2001

Will the Commission say: To what factors does it attribute the delay in the transfer of OA?

In what respects have the conditions set by Decision 1999/332/EC and subsequently not been respected?

Who is responsible?

When is the transfer of the Technical Directorate in particular due to be completed?

(1) OJ L 128, 21.5.1999, p. 1.

Answer given by Mrs de Palacio on behalf of the Commission

(20 April 2001)

Athens(cid:146) new airport opened on 27 March 2001. Since then, the carriers which previously operated at
Hellenikon airport have transferred their activities to the new airport. The Commission has no information
at present to suggest that any carriers, including Olympic Airways, are experiencing operating difficulties
at Spata. Moreover, the Commission(cid:146)s information shows that the transfer of Olympic Airways(cid:146) Technical
Directorate to the new airport should be completed this year.

The Commission authorised the payment of aid to Olympic Airways by Decision of 14 August 1998 on
the basis of a restructuring plan covering the period 1998-2002. The Commission is in contact with the
Greek authorities and is following closely both the current restructuring process and the process by which
the company is being privatised, which began in December 2000.

(2001/C 261 E/096)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0330/01

by Alexandros Alavanos (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

(13 February 2001)

Subject: Delays by the Civil Aviation Authority in implementing international standards

According to Greek press reports, experts of the JAA (European Joint Aviation Authorities) have found
there have been long delays by the Civil Aviation Authority in promoting and implementing
that
international standards and regulations as part of the flight procedures (JAR-OPS), owing to the fact that
the Greek Ministry of Transport has failed to press ahead with the legislative framework for the
modernisation and incorporation of these standards.

1.

Can the Commission confirm these reports? If so, what measures does it intend to take?

Could this problem affect the proper functioning of the new airport of Spata and the beginning of

2.
operations there?

Answer given by Mrs de Palacio on behalf of the Commission

(10 April 2001)

The Commission has indeed been informed of the doubts expressed within the international aviation
community as regards the abilities of those Greek authorities responsible for air safety to assume their
responsibilities in a satisfactory manner. Moreover that question has already been put by Mr Hatzidakis, a
Member of the European Parliament (P-3217/00).

This is why it has initiated an infringement procedure against
for poor
implementation of the provisions of the regulations adopted by the Community in respect of aircraft
maintenance.

the Greek Government