92002E3629

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3629/02

by Alexandros Alavanos (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

(16 December 2002)

Subject: Implementation of Community health and safety legislation in Greece

In relation to the investigation of complaint 00/4404 SG (2000) and the most recent question concerning that complaint (E-2773/02)(1), the Commission has shown real interest and organised meetings in Greece to collect more information. At the meeting between the Commission representative and the complainant, the latter presented information providing evidence of the complaints relating both to the undertaking where he works (a written admission by the undertaking's departments that nothing was done in relation to workers' health at work during the period under consideration) and the annual report of the Greek inspection authorities (report of the activities of SEPE 2001).

Since the above information provides incriminating evidence with regard to the application of Community legislation on the health and safety of workers, such as the total failure of SEPE to deal with occupational illness, inadequate processing and recording of occupational accidents and a failure to record employers' liability:

1. What are the initial conclusions from the investigation and the complaints and information which the Commission has received, including the revealing details provided by the General Confederation of Greek Workers?

2. On the basis of Articles 140, 211 and 226 of the Treaty, will the Commission formulate an opinion or recommendation regarding the implementation of Community legislation on the health and safety of workers in Greece?

(1) OJ C 52 E, 6.3.2003, p. 215.

Answer given by Mrs Diamantopoulou on behalf of the Commission

(6 February 2003)

1. The Honourable Member refers to complaint 2000/4404 and to his most recent question concerning this matter (Written Question E-2773/02); in this connection, the Commission would refer him to its answer to that question. As the Honourable Member notes, the Commission got in touch firstly with the complainant and then with the Greek authorities with a view to clarifying the matter. At the meeting with the complainant on 5 November 2002 in Athens, the Commission representative was given a large dossier in Greek by the complainant. A meeting with the Greek authorities was held on the same day. As part of its investigation of complaint 2000/4404, the Commission is currently examining the dossier from the complainant and will take appropriate measures in the light of the findings of this examination, and on the basis of its examination of information obtained from the Greek authorities.

The Commission will, of course, keep the complainant informed of any developments.

2. If it were to emerge from the information in its possession that the Greek authorities have failed to comply with Community law, the Commission would consider whether it would be appropriate to institute infringement proceedings pursuant to Article 226 of the EC Treaty.