WRITTEN QUESTION E-1937/03 by Mihail Papayannakis (GUE/NGL) to the Commission. Corinth-Patras railway link.
Date: 2003-06-13
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: Peloponnese, environmental impact, impact study, rail network, town and country planning, transport infrastructure

27.3.2004

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 78 E/57

it should be emphasised at

in itself, constitute
However,
traceability, but rather an a posteriori traceability tool. Other measures, in particular documentary checks,
are needed in order to trace back a product.

this stage that DNA detection does not,

With regard to the labelling of these meat products, current EU legislation (4) requires the use of a trade
name and list of ingredients that do not mislead the buyer and requires the amount of the characteristic
ingredient of the food (in this case meat) to be stated.

This legislation applies to foods intended to be supplied as they are to the end consumer, i.e. foods sold
packaged or not, self-service or take-away. Dishes served in restaurants are not covered, although, as the
legislation also applies to foodstuffs supplied to restaurants, the latter should be able to provide any
information requested on the ingredients and characteristics of these products.

(1) http://www.foodstandards.gov.uk/news/pressreleases/chickenwater0303

http://www.fsai.ie/press_releases/120303.htm.

(2) OJ C 28 E, 6.2.2003, p. 234.
(3) OJ C 52 E, 6.3.2003, p. 152.
(4) Directive 2000/13/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 March 2000 on the approximation of
the laws of the Member States relating to the labelling, presentation and advertising of foodstuffs, OJ L 109,
6.5.2000.

(2004/C 78 E/0056)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1937/03

by Mihail Papayannakis (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

(13 June 2003)

Subject: Corinth-Patras railway link

Various local organisations have complained that no account has been taken of the special regional
planning study on the Gulf of Corinth funded by the EU’s Envireg programme in the construction of the
new rail
link between Corinth and Patras. Furthermore, the method generally adopted in such cases,
namely the construction of tunnels and viaducts at a distance from the coast and built-up areas, has been
completely ignored. Given that the construction of railways is a project of key importance for the region
as a whole, would the Commission examine whether this project is being carried out in the most
appropriate manner, so as to cause least damage to the environment?

Answer given by Mr Barnier on behalf of the Commission

(29 July 2003)

The responsibility for the design and implementation of major infrastructure projects, such as the
construction of a new railway,
lies with the authorities in the Member State in accordance with the
principles of decentralised management that apply to the Structural Funds. It is for these authorities to
determine an appropriate balance between economic, societal and environmental considerations, and to
ensure respect for regulatory requirements.

As concerns the railway Korinthos-Patras, the application submitted by the Greek authorities for European
co-funding met all the required conditions, including those relating to environmental terms and conditions.

The study to which the Honourable Member refers dates back to the early nineties. It did not give rise to a
legally binding spatial planning framework for the area covered by it, nor did it concern specifically the
track design of the railway.