WRITTEN QUESTION P-3122/01 by Christos Folias (PPE-DE) to the Commission. Problems with management of CSF rail projects in Greece.
Date: 2001-11-06
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: Cohesion Fund, Community support framework, EU control, Greece, co-financing, rail network, use of aid

20.6.2002

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 147 E/103

The Commission is aware of the problems that certain provisions of the Common Position may cause to
the separate collection of biodegradable waste.
In particular, the Commission is aware that separate
collection, composting and anaerobic digestion of biodegradable waste (catering waste included) are also
important with regard to the targets of Article 5 of Council Directive 1999/31/EC of 26 April 1999, on
the landfill of waste (3). The Commission is actively participating in discussions with the Parliament and the
Council in order to ensure that the goals of the Regulations are achieved without undermining separate
collection schemes.

(1) OJ C 96 E, 27.3.2001.
(2) COM(2001) 31 final.
(3) OJ L 182, 16.7.1999.

(2002/C 147 E/107)

WRITTEN QUESTION P-3122/01

by Christos Folias (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(6 November 2001)

Subject: Problems with management of CSF rail projects in Greece

According to Greek press reports, the Commissioner responsible has written to the Greek Government to
point out that there are problems with Ergose’s management of projects relating to the rail links between
Thriasio, Elefsina and Corinth, Evangelismos and Leptokarya, and electrification. These problems concern
failure to carry out surveys, running over schedule and budget, and running out of
funds before
completing the project.

What was the schedule and the original budget for the above projects?

To what extent is the work so far carried out using these appropriations at variance with the schedule and
the original budget?

Are there difficulties in carrying out the above projects? If so, where do those difficulties lie and what does
the Commission propose to do to overcome them?

Answer given by Mr Barnier on behalf of the Commission

(24 January 2002)

With regard to the rail network, the initial project concerned the construction of a new line of about
70 kilometres (km). It was adopted for co-financing by the Cohesion Fund in 1996 with a total cost of
€ 280 million and a work schedule until the end of 2000. In July 1999 the decision was modified because
of delays in the execution of the project. The physical object was reduced to 19,8 km principally relating
to underground works and the revised budget was set at € 120 million (43 % of the initial cost). The
completion date was maintained at the end of 2000.

In March 2001 a new phase of the project was accepted for Community co-financing. It concerns 50,2 km
of underground works and 70 km of above mentioned ground works. The new budget is fixed at € 165
million and the completion date at the end of 2005.

The project also includes the Kakia Skala section which has an important cost increase because of the
reinforced standards for building due to the last earthquake in Athens. The Commission intends to co-
finance this additional cost.

Project ‘Evagelismos-Leptokarya’

The initial project concerned the construction of a new double track railway line of about 35 km. It was
adopted for co-financing by the Cohesion Fund in 1995 with a total cost of € 251,4 million and a work
schedule until the end of 2000. In December 1999 the decision was modified because of delays in the
execution of the project. The physical object was reduced to 24 km principally relating to underground
works and the revised budget was set at € 307 million (122 % of the initial cost). The completion date was
maintained at the end of 2000.

C 147 E/104

Official Journal of the European Communities

EN

20.6.2002

In March 2001 a new phase of the project was accepted for Community co-financing. It concerns 11 km
of underground works and 35 km of the above mentioned ground works. The new budget is fixed at € 105
million and the completion date at the end of 2004.

Project ‘Electrification of Pathe’

The initial project concerned the electrification of the rail line Pireaus-Athens-Thessaloniki of 520 km. It
was adopted for co-financing by the Cohesion Fund in 1994 with a total cost of € 180 million and a work
schedule until the end of 2000. In July 1999 the decision was modified because of delays in the execution
of the project. The physical object was limited to the modification of the existing signalling system and to
a number of studies and the revised budget was fixed at € 67,5 million (37,5 % of the initial cost). The
completion date was maintained at the end of 2000. The co-financing for this project is suspended.

For the two last projects, the Commission launched an expertise earlier in 2001 and sent the results to the
Greek authorities, asking them also to present a detailed description up to a time horizon of 2008
(Community Support Framework and Cohesion Fund for the 2000-2006 programming period) of the
whole project of the Pathe rail axis (costs, timetable, technical and standards functionality). The Greek
authorities have announced that their full reply will be sent soon to the Commission. The Commission
intends to follow up this issue with experts,
in order to define its position concerning the financial
assistance allocated to the projects and their future co-financing.

(2002/C 147 E/108)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3124/01

by Rolf Linkohr (PSE) to the Commission

(14 November 2001)

Subject: Transposition of the evacuation directive 89/618/Euratom

Council Directive 89/618/Euratom (1) of 27 November 1989 on informing the general public about
1.
health protection measures to be applied and steps to be taken in the event of a radiological emergency
has apparently not yet been transposed into national law in Denmark, Germany, Greece, France or Austria.
Is this true, and is the Commission aware of this situation?

2. What action does the Commission intend to take, especially in present circumstances?

(1) OJ L 357, 7.12.1989, p. 31.

(2002/C 147 E/109)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3145/01

by Jo Leinen (PSE) to the Commission

(14 November 2001)

Subject: Transposition of the evacuation directive 89/618/Euratom

Is the Commission aware that, as Directive 89/618/Euratom (1) has not been transposed, the French
1.
Republic has not yet provided the German authorities with any information on the emergency measures
envisaged to alert, protect and assist the general public in the event of a radiological emergency involving
the French nuclear power station at Cattenom?

2. What action does the Commission intend to take, especially in present circumstances?

(1) OJ L 357, 7.12.1989, p. 31.