WRITTEN QUESTION E-3170/03 by Konstantinos Hatzidakis (PPE-DE) to the Commission. Problems regarding the Attica suburban railway project.
Date: 2003-10-27
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: Attica, Community support framework, public works, rail network, transport policy

3.4.2004

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 84 E/501

(2004/C 84 E/0578)

WRITTEN QUESTION P-3109/03

by Phillip Whitehead (PSE) to the Commission

(17 October 2003)

Subject: Hydrogenated fats

In view of reservations expressed regarding the safety of hydrogenated fats, is the Commission prepared to
launch an initiative which would see the potential health risk of hydrogenated fats being clearly indicated
on product labelling? Furthermore, has any consideration been given to the outright ban of this substance?

Answer given by Mr Byrne on behalf of the Commission

(14 November 2003)

Hydrogenation enables vegetable and animal oils to be transformed into solid fat, also making it saturated.
The result of the hydrogenation process, together with other practices such as the de-odorisation process
of oils and fats, is a change in the shape of fat molecules. Therefore, the natural configuration of the fatty
acids molecules, known as cis configuration, very often changes into a different one, known as trans
configuration. The above practices, which are used for many product applications, may lead to
unacceptable amounts of trans fatty acids.

It is known that high intakes of certain saturated fatty acids are associated with an increased risk of
coronary heart disease. Recently, reservations have also been expressed regarding trans fatty acids in the
diet. Consequently, the Commission has asked the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) to evaluate the
evidence on the effect on health of trans fatty acids and how the effect, if any, compares to the effect on
health of other types of fatty acids in the diet. The EFSA has been asked to provide a scientific opinion by
the end of May 2004.

Regarding the labelling of foods, Directive 2000/13/EC of the Parliament and of the Council of 20 March
2000 on the labelling, presentation and advertising of foodstuffs (1) indicates that when a food contains
hydrogenated oils or fats the description ‘hydrogenated’ must accompany the indication of a hydrogenated
oil or fat in the labelling of the food. Council Directive 90/496/EC of 24 September 1990 on nutrition
labelling for foodstuffs (2) includes the possibility for the declaration of the saturated fatty acids in the
nutrition labelling. The question of the inclusion or not of trans fatty acids in the nutrition labelling on
foods is being considered within the context of an ongoing review of Directive 90/496/EC.

(1) OJ L 109, 6.5.2000.
(2) OJ L 276, 6.10.1990.

(2004/C 84 E/0579)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3170/03

by Konstantinos Hatzidakis (PPE-DE) to the Commission

Subject: Problems regarding the Attica suburban railway project

(27 October 2003)

Great concern is being expressed in Greece regarding progress made by the suburban railway project with
numerous reports recently appearing in the Greek press describing the situation as extremely serious. It is
regarded as unlikely that the project will be completed in time for the Olympic Games. In particular, the
Doukissi Plakentia (cid:1) Olympic Stadium section is a very long way behind schedule because of work being
carried out simultaneously on the Attica Highway and the metro. Serious problems are arising regarding
the Neratziotissa station where the suburban line will meet the HSAP electric line, designs having failed to
take account of the Attica Highway running below the station, which is now creating major construction
problems.

C 84 E/502

Official Journal of the European Union

EN

3.4.2004

In view of the fact that funding under the third CFS has been earmarked for the suburban rail project, is
the Commission aware of the problems arising and the fact that the project is behind schedule? What is its
general assessment regarding progress made?

(2004/C 84 E/0580)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3171/03

by Konstantinos Hatzidakis (PPE-DE) to the Commission

Subject: Progress towards completion of the Athens tramway

(27 October 2003)

Recently grave concern has been expressed in the Greek press regarding progress made towards
completion of the Athens tramway, with reports indicating that, although work is well behind schedule,
contractors are reneging on their undertakings regarding increased manning levels on the project. It appears
highly unlikely that the work will be completed in time for the Olympic Games and alternative solutions
are already being considered,
including a reduction in the number of tram stops, to cover increased
demand over this period. Furthermore, the scheduled tram route from the centre to the coast will
encounter dozens of crossings and it is not at all clear how the traffic lights will be regulated so as to give
it priority, the preferred solution appearing to be the stationing of traffic police at those points where tram
and automobile meet!

In view of the fact that funding has been earmarked for the tramway project under the third CSF,

1.
what view does the Commission take of progress made?

2. What information does the Commission have concerning the issues being raised by the Greek press?

Joint answer
to Written Questions E-3170/03 and E-3171/03
given by Mr Barnier on behalf of the Commission

(4 December 2003)

The Commission knows about the articles in the Greek press on delays in construction of the Athens
Suburban Railway and the Athens Tramway.

The decision to grant European financial assistance for these two projects (included in the 3rd Community
Support Framework for Greece) followed a very positive assessment of the benefits they would afford the
Attica Region and a finding that they could be completed during the present programming period (2000
to 2006). Completion in time for the 2004 Olympic Games would significantly improve public transport
facilities during them but was not imposed as a condition for granting assistance.

Our information is that the delay in construction of the Doukissis Plakentias-SKA stretch of the railway
track has been caused by problems of compatibility between the basic infrastructure put in place by the
Attica Highway authorities and the technical specifications of the railway line, which is to lie between the
two carriageways of the Highway. These problems do not affect the section between the Airport and
Doukissis Plakentias, which is of particular importance for the Olympic Games.

In the case of the Tramway the delay appears to be a limited one affecting only the line between the city
centre and the sea. The line along the seafront, the more important one for the Olympic Games,
is apparently progressing as scheduled. It is of course important that when the Tramway comes into
operation all necessary safety requirements are met.

We do not consider that the delays that have occurred up to now threaten completion of the railway
project and the two tramway lines during the present Structural Fund programming period.