WRITTEN QUESTION E-2541/01 by Ioannis Souladakis (PSE) to the Commission. Reconstruction of destroyed road and rail networks.
Date: 2001-09-19
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: EU aid, EU financial instrument, Yugoslavia, economic consequence, rail transport, road transport, trans-European network, transport infrastructure, war damage

16.5.2002

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 115 E/111

carried out by the Commission pursuant to Article 24 of Council Regulation (EEC) No 4253/88 of
19 December 1988 (1). A report on financial corrections in the context of the application of Article 24 is
prepared on a yearly basis. A copy of the most recent report is transmitted direct to the Honourable
Member and to the Secretariat General of the Parliament. Consolidated data with respect to measures
undertaken by the Member States which have not been the subject of a procedure in application of the
aforementioned article 24 of Regulation (EEC) No 4253/88, are not available.

3.
The Commission performs control missions in all Member States, in the framework of an annual
control plan, as follow-up missions with respect to findings in earlier control reports, or on the basis of
indications of irregularities.

Investigations are referred to the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) on the basis of the systemic nature or
the extent of the revealed irregularities, or because of indications or evidence of fraud.

When these controls reveal irregularities and the Member State and the Commission are in agreement as to
the consequences to be drawn from them, a corresponding sum is deducted by the Member State in
question from its annual declaration of expenditure. However,
if the Member State disagrees with the
Commission, the latter carries out the correction itself under article 24 of Regulation (EEC) No 4253/88, as
described above.

(1) Regulation (EEC) No 4253/88 of 19 December 1988, laying down provisions for implementing Regulation (EEC)
No 2052/88 as regards coordination of the activities of the different Structural Funds between themselves and with
the operations of
instruments (OJ L 374,
lastly amended by Council Regulation (EC) No 3193/94 of 19 December 1994 (OJ L 337,
31.12.1988),
24.12.1994).

the European Investment Bank and the other existing financial

(2002/C 115 E/114)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2541/01

by Ioannis Souladakis (PSE) to the Commission

(19 September 2001)

Subject: Reconstruction of destroyed road and rail networks

The Nato bombings of Yugoslavia destroyed the road network which used to connect Greece to central
Europe; this begins in Thessaloniki and traverses FYROM, the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, Croatia,
Slovenia, Hungary and Austria, but is now only functioning along 53 % of its total length. The railway
network has also suffered the same damage, with only 52 % of its total track length in operation.

Has the Commission examined the damage suffered by the Member States of the European Union because
of the destruction of the network, and the resulting transport difficulties?

Has it estimated the cost of reconstructing the destroyed road and rail networks and, if so, where will these
appropriations be taken from?

Has it drawn up a timetable for putting right the damage done to the networks?

Answer given by Ms de Palacio on behalf of the Commission

(12 November 2001)

The Commission is aware of the major damage done to road and rail infrastructure in the Balkans during
the conflict in Yugoslavia, in particular the Pan-European Transport Corridor which crosses the region,
linking Greece to Austria and Hungary. The Commission has also been informed of the significant
economic consequences of this, for certain Member States in particular.

A Memorandum of Understanding on the Corridor in question was signed by countries in the region on
15 March 2001 in Thessaloniki. It was signed by the Vice-President of the Commission responsible for
transport and energy on 5 April 2001.

C 115 E/112

Official Journal of the European Communities

EN

16.5.2002

The Commission has already produced a strategic analysis of the region’s transport networks D which
include the Corridor D and their links with applicant countries and the Community’s trans-European
network.
http://europa.eu.int/comm/energy_transport/library/
The
tren_se_en.pdf.

document

found

can

at:

be

The main sources of funding for improving the transport networks are international financial institutions,
in particular the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the European Bank for Reconstruction and
Development (EBRD). However, the Commission has already provided substantial financial assistance for
the rehabilitation of networks in the region, in particular the E75 road in the former Yugoslav Republic of
Macedonia.

With the new financial instrument CARDS, which supports the stabilisation and association process, the
Commission is planning new projects. The E75 could benefit from a project supporting the cross-border
area between the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia and Hungary and the E70 from a project supporting the
areas between the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia and Croatia, and Croatia and Slovenia.

An approximate estimate of the total cost of developing the Corridor might be obtained before summer
2002, from a study due to begin shortly.

To obtain a precise figure for the number of priority investments, a study entitled ‘Transport Infrastructure
Regional Study’ (TIRS) is currently under way. The results, expected in early 2002, will constitute the basis
for a priority investment plan, including costs and timetable. The second phase of the study, examining the
priority projects in greater detail, will begin before the end of 2001, financed by the Commission.

The countries concerned must take the initiative and propose their priority projects and seek the required
funding from the Community or from international financial institutions.

(2002/C 115 E/115)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2543/01

by Ioannis Souladakis (PSE) to the Commission

(19 September 2001)

Subject: Restoration of links between Greek and EU electricity networks

It is well known that, because of the fighting in former Yugoslavia, the Adriatic supply line for the
electricity network was destroyed in Mostar, while the corresponding line passing through Croatia was
destroyed in Ernestinovo.

Since these lines are of vital importance in connecting Greece to the rest of the European electrical power
network:

D Has the Commission taken any initiatives to ensure rapid restoration of the network?

D Has it included restoration of the destroyed lines as a priority in the reconstruction programmes for

Bosnia-Herzegovina?

D Has it studied the cost to the Greek economy of this long-lasting interruption to power, and what sort

of compensation is planned?

Answer given by Mr Patten on behalf of the Commission

(14 November 2001)

We note the concern expressed by the Honourable Member of the European Parliament regarding the
connection of Greece to the rest of the European electricity network.