Massive delays in the construction of the Thessaloniki Metro
| 20 February 2015 |
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| Question for written answer to the Commission Rule 130 Notis Marias (ECR) |
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In September 2003, it was decided to build the Thessaloniki Metro as a public project co-funded by Greece and the European Union.
On 7 April 2006, the contract was signed with the contractor consortium and at the end of June 2006 construction work began.
In June 2013, a contract was signed with another contractor for the construction of the extension of the Thessaloniki Metro to Kalamaria, a project included in the NSRF ‘Macedonia — Thrace’ Operational Programme. It is funded by loans from the European Investment Bank.
It should be noted that, in order to fund the construction of the Thessaloniki Metro, EUR 550 million has also been secured from the EIB, as an approved loan on favourable terms, together with EUR 250 million from the third CSF.
But although 90% of the time allocated for construction of the project has now elapsed, there have been immense delays, since only 23% of the project has been built. This has prompted an investigation by the Thessaloniki Public Prosecutor with responsibility for fraud.
In view of the above, will the Commission say:
| 1. | Has it investigated the causes of the delay in construction of the Thessaloniki Metro and, if so, has it established who is responsible? |
| 2. | What steps will it take to accelerate the construction of the project which is primarily being funded by the EU? |
Source: European Parliament
Answer given by Ms Creţu on behalf of the Commission
1. The Commission is aware of the significant delays of the Thessaloniki metro project implementation and has raised this issue in the context of meetings with the Greek authorities. The implementation, monitoring and audit of co-funded interventions under programmes, according to the shared management principle between the European Union and the Member States, are within the responsibility of the national authorities.
2. The Commission has made recommendations to the national authorities on accelerating the project implementation and is following the progress made. Based on the information provided by the Greek authorities and on the findings of the investigation conducted by the Greek judicial authorities, the Commission will draw conclusions and undertake the most appropriate measures.
Source: European Parliament
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