WRITTEN QUESTION E-2044/01 by Stavros Xarchakos (PPE-DE) to the Commission. Athens metro: poor quality construction work and fines.
Date: 2001-07-13
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: EU financing, Greece, archaeology, cultural heritage, defective product, underground railway

C 81 E/98

Official Journal of the European Communities

EN

4.4.2002

(2002/C 81 E/114)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2044/01

by Stavros Xarchakos (PPE-DE) to the Commission

Subject: Athens metro: poor quality construction work and fines

(13 July 2001)

According to the report drawn up by experts from the company Attiko Metro, the Athens metro is being
affected by (cid:145)failings, shortcomings and sloppy workmanship(cid:146). This state of affairs led the Greek Ministry for
the Environment, Regional Planning and Public Works to impose a GRD 5,35 billion fine on the
consortium responsible for the construction project. The report states that the shortcomings involve faulty
rolling stock, serious noise pollution, engine problems, premature wearing-out of wheels, a lack of
protection against lightening and insulation problems in certain tunnels and stations, resulting in damp
conditions in many parts of the system.

The EU contributed a significant share of the funding for this project. What is the Commission(cid:146)s view of
the above shortcomings? Were its services aware of them before they were reported by the Greek
authorities? What is the Commission(cid:146)s view of the extension of the metro along the Monastiraki-Aigaleos
line? This line is to be completed within a period of 1 160 calendar days, whilst the contract provides for
only 90 days of excavation work, a period which Greek archaeologists have termed manifestly insufficient
for completion of their work?

Answer given by Mr Barnier on behalf of the Commission

(13 September 2001)

On the basis of information provided by the (cid:145)Attiko Metro(cid:146) company, project manager of the Athens Metro
new lines, and prior to the provisional acceptance of the project,
it has held back from payment to
contractors an amount corresponding to a number of items which are not in full compliance with the
contract provisions. This amount held back is a motivation for the contractor to implement the necessary
corrective actions, in which case payment of the full amount will take place. In case of failure to make the
corrections, this amount will be used to pay for the services of other contractors needed to perform the
repair work.

This is normal good practice followed by the project manager, on the basis of international standards for
the management of big projects of civil, electromechanical and electronic systems.

In accordance with the principle of subsidiarity, and the decentralised management of European regional
programmes, the Commission is not systematically informed, unless it expressly asks to be, on the
implementation of contracts signed by the Member States for the construction of public works co-financed
by Community funds.

Concerning the Monastiraki-Egaleo extension, Attiko Metro has informed the Commission that since the
Egaleo area represents a major archaeological challenge, investigations had been launched in all stations
and shafts in 1998. This extensive archaelogical investigation programme has been completed in many
locations and is in an advanced stage of completion in others. The 90 days allowance for archaelogy
provided by the tender documents is only to cover any unexpected investigation needs. This allowance
would be extended if needed.

(2002/C 81 E/115)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2049/01

by Christopher Heaton-Harris (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(13 July 2001)

Subject: Independence of the media

How many journalists does the European Commission enjoy on a freelance basis to write papers, reports,
newsletters and other internal and external documents?