WRITTEN QUESTION E-2543/01 by Ioannis Souladakis (PSE) to the Commission. Restoration of links between Greek and EU electricity networks.
Date: 2001-09-19
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: EU programme, Yugoslavia, economic consequence, electrical energy, energy grid, financial aid, trans-European network, war damage

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 (cid:24) which
include the Corridor (cid:24) 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.

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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:

(cid:24) Has the Commission taken any initiatives to ensure rapid restoration of the network?

(cid:24) Has it included restoration of the destroyed lines as a priority in the reconstruction programmes for

Bosnia-Herzegovina?

(cid:24) 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.

16.5.2002

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 115 E/113

Concerning the rapid restoration of the network, the Commission is providing € 3,8 million in the 2001
national programme for Croatia funded from the CARDS programme. These funds will be for technical
support for the rehabilitation of the central power station located at the village of Ernestinovo in the
Croatian Danube Region, which will complement a project funded by the European Investment Bank.
Restoration of electricity power lines in Bosnia and Herzegovina has been a priority in the integrated
reconstruction programmes such as the one in Mostar, funded by the Commission under the Obnova
programme (1).

The Commission is unable to estimate the potential cost to the Greek economy of the suspended
interconnection to the network of the Union pour la Coordination du Transport de l’Electricité (UCTE). No
compensation is being considered.

The Commission would like to see links between Greece and the UCTE network restored.

(1) The Obnova programme (which has been superseded by CARDS) is a European programme for the rehabilitation
and reconstruction of Bosnia-Herzegovina, Croatia, the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia and the Former Yugoslav
Republic of Macedonia (FYROM).

(2002/C 115 E/116)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2549/01

by Jorge Hernández Mollar (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(19 September 2001)

Subject: Community solidarity in restoring the Sierra de Mijas

Ten groups with various backgrounds and interests have decided to set up a campaign named ‘Mijas por
sus sierras y su entorno’ with the chief aim of restoring the areas destroyed by fire in July 2001.

The campaign group is making nine specific demands and its proposals for the restoration of the Sierra are
being studied by Mijas council technicians and the regional government of Andalucia.

Given the scale of the ecological disaster which hit the area as a result of the forest fire and the much-
needed solidarity called for by people living in the area, can the Commission say to what extent it might
help to meet
the expenses entailed by such solidarity, making a contribution towards the speedy
restoration of what was once beautiful woodland and has now been reduced to a picture of desolation?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

(25 October 2001)

The Commission too is highly concerned at the forest fires that devastated southern regions of the Union,
in Spain in particular, this summer. It is well aware of the problem, especially where it affects sensitive
areas of great environmental
importance, which must be protected if the forest ecosystems of the
Mediterranean are to be preserved.

On 3 May 2001 the Commission accordingly approved a programme costing a total of EUR 3,4 million,
with a Community contribution of EUR 1,7 million, to protect forests from fire in Spain in 2001 under
Council Regulation (EEC) No 2158/92 on protection of the Community’s forests against fire (1). The
programme provides in particular for the implementation of awareness and surveillance measures, the
building of tracks, firebreaks and water supply points, and the execution of other forestry operations to
prevent fires.