WRITTEN QUESTION E-1969/01 by Alexandros Alavanos (GUE/NGL) to the Commission. Railways in Greece.
Date: 2001-07-05
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: Community support framework, Greece, rail transport, transport infrastructure

C 81 E/84

Official Journal of the European Communities

EN

4.4.2002

According to the information available, the planned route is not part of the projects financed by the CSF in
the period 1994-1999. As far as the CSF covering the period 2000-2006 is concerned, the Thessaly
regional authorities have not for the time being received any application for co-financing such a project by
the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). Should they receive such an application, it will be
assessed in accordance with national and Community legislation in force. It must also be pointed out that
conditions of a similar nature for co-financing projects will feature in the evaluation criteria of the
operational programmes. These criteria are currently being finalised by the Greek authorities as part of
their obligations deriving from Council Regulation (EC) No 1260/1999 of 21 June 1999 laying down
general provisions on the Structural Funds (1).

The Commission reacted on 2 August 2000, requesting an explanation from the municipality of Volos-NØa
Ionia as a former beneficiary of LIFE programme funds and as the authority instigating the project in
question. Although a reminder was forwarded on 22 May 2001, no reply has so far been forthcoming
from the municipality concerned. Accordingly, a letter will be addressed to the Greek authorities asking for
explanations about the project. When the Commission has received a reply, it will examine whether there
is any incompatibility with Community law, particularly Council Directive 85/337/EEC of 27 June 1985
on the assessment of the effects of certain public and private projects on the environment (2), and, if
necessary, the Commission will initiate an infringement procedure.

(1) OJ L 161, 26.6.1999.
(2) OJ L 175, 5.7.1985, amended by Council Directive 97/11/EC of 3 March 1997 (OJ L 73, 14.3.1997).

(2002/C 81 E/098)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1969/01

by Alexandros Alavanos (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

(5 July 2001)

Subject: Railways in Greece

The railway is a particularly effective and viable solution to the acute problems of traffic congestion,
pollution and accidents, which is why Community programmes also support
the extension and
modernisation of the rail networks in the Member States.

Does the Commission consider that the rail programme under the second Community Support

1.
Framework was carried out in a satisfactory manner (initial and revised budget, progress of projects)?

2. What projects are included in the third Community Support Framework?

Answer given by Mr Barnier on behalf of the Commission

(13 September 2001)

As regards the implementation rate of rail projects programmed in the Community support framework
(CSF) for 1994-1999 in Greece, the Commission would refer the Honourable Member to its supplementary
answer to Written Question E-3657/00 by Mr Hatzidakis (1).

The main aim of the rail transport projects to be part-financed in Greece by the CSF and the Cohesion
Fund in the 2000-2006 programming period is the completion of the construction of an electrified double
track between Athens and Thessaloniki and links between this line and the ports of Piraeus and
Thessaloniki. Construction of a double track between Athens, Corinth and Patras, the rail link from the
centre of Athens to the new airport at Spata and the restructuring and implementation of the business
plan of the Greek Railways Organisation (OSE) are also included in the projects listed in the programming
referred to above.

(1) OJ C 136 E, 8.5.2001.