92001E2542

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2542/01

by Ioannis Souladakis (PSE) to the Council

(20 September 2001)

Subject: Restoration of links between Greek and EU electricity networks

It is well known that, because of the fighting in former Yugoslavia, the Adriatic supply line for the electricity network was destroyed in Mostar, while the corresponding line passing through Croatia was destroyed in Ernestinovo.

Since these lines are of vital importance in connecting Greece to the rest of the European electrical power network:

- has the Council taken any specific action to date to ensure restoration of the network?

- Has it included restoration of the destroyed lines as a priority in the reconstruction programmes for Bosnia-Herzegovina?

- Are there any estimates of the cost of restoring the network?

Joint answerto Written Questions E-2540/01 and E-2542/01

(12 February 2002)

On several occasions in recent years the Council has stressed the importance of the European Union taking a regional approach to the Balkan region. The need for efficient regional infrastructure, especially in terms of transport and the supply of electricity, has been noted several times in the context of the Council and the Stability Pact, in which the European Union plays a leading role.

As regards the restoration of road and rail networks, and more specifically the network linking Greece to Central Europe (Corridor X), and the possibility of contributing to any priority projects put forward by the States concerned, the Honourable Member is invited to address his questions direct to the Commission.

On the issue of electricity supply networks, the Council would remind the Honourable Member that the strengthening of electricity links between Greece and, respectively, Albania, Bulgaria and the former Yugoslavia, including the reconstruction of links with the northern part of the former Yugoslavia and the UCPTE network, forms part of the projects of common interest as designated in Decision 1254/96/EC (amended by Decision 1741/1999/EC) laying down a series of guidelines for trans-European energy networks.

Also, Regulation (EC) No 2236/95, as amended by Regulation (EC) No 1655/1999, lays down general rules for the granting of Community financial aid in the field of trans-European networks. Article 15(2) stipulates that the Commission and the Member States concerned shall systematically monitor progress with projects, where appropriate with the cooperation of the European Investment Bank or other appropriate bodies.

The Honourable Member is invited to contact the participants mentioned above in order to ascertain the current situation.

The Council would stress that it has no competence to answer the point raised in the last part of the Honourable Member's question.