WRITTEN QUESTION E-1085/02 by Konstantinos Hatzidakis (PPE-DE) to the Commission. Funding of Community support framework programmes in Greece.
Date: 2002-04-18
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: Community support framework, Greece, Olympic games, financing, operational programme, transport policy

17.4.2003

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 92 E/39

The Commission has learned from the electronic press service of the Flemish Community that building
permits were given on 18 March 2002 to continue the construction of the ‘Deurganck’-dock pursuant to
the Decree adopted on 14 December 2001.

The Commission holds the view that for public works which have to be realised for imperative reasons of
public interest, which have a negative effect on a Natura 2000 site and for which no alternative can be
found, it is required to take all the necessary steps to ensure that compensatory measures are carried in
order to guarantee that the overall coherence of Natura 2000 is maintained.

The Commission wishes to point out that the compensation measures proposed by the Flemish authorities
and mentioned by the Honourable Member are in the planning or concept stage, as are other
compensation measures already proposed before in relation to the same cases. On the whole, none of
these compensation measures have been yet realised and to the present day, the Commission has not
received any information regarding the starting of works to realise any of them.

(2003/C 92 E/041)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1085/02

by Konstantinos Hatzidakis (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(18 April 2002)

Subject: Funding of Community support framework programmes in Greece

According to information published in the Greek press, the Greek Government has asked the Commission
to accelerate funding (potentially in excess of the original stipulations on this point in Regulation (EC)
1260/1999 (1) on the Structural Funds) of the CSF operational programmes, which it believes can advance
more quickly in the future, in compensation for the non-funding of other programmes which are not
sufficiently ready.

1.

2.

Is this information true?

How does the Commission intend to respond to the Greek Government’s request?

(1) OJ L 161, 26.6.1999, p. 1.

Supplementary answer
given by Mr Barnier on behalf of the Commission

(3 July 2002)

Earlier this year, the Greek authorities requested changes in the financial profiles of four operational
programmes under the Community support framework for Greece during the 2000-2006 period, with a
view to facilitating the financing of transport infrastructures linked to the Olympic Games in 2004.

The Commission is aware of the importance of the Olympic Games for Greece and for the Union as a
whole. It is current working closely with the Greek authorities as a matter of priority in order to determine
the feasibility of a shift of funds from other projects to infrastructures linked to the Olympic Games, and
the practical means by which this may be brought about in the context of the regulations governing the
Structural Funds and Cohesion Fund.

(2003/C 92 E/042)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1099/02

by Alexandros Alavanos (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

(18 April 2002)

Subject: Tax rebate and judgment of the Court of Justice in case C-249/00

Following the judgment of the Court of Justice of 2 August 2001 in case C-249/00, Greeks who have
worked abroad, Greek seafarers and Greeks resident abroad will no longer be able to benefit from a
reduced rate of tax on the transfer of property where the property is purchased with foreign currency.