92002E3798

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3798/02

by Christos Folias (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(7 January 2003)

Subject: Progress in implementation of the third CSF

The third year of implementation of the third CSF for Greece has already finished.

What is Greece's take-up to date in the CSF national operational programmes and in the regional programmes, by region?

More specifically, what is the take-up for the programmes concerning competitiveness, the information society, fisheries, the programme for the modernisation of the Greek railways and the European Social Fund (national section)?

Is the Commission satisfied with progress to date in the implementation of the third CSF by the Greek public administration? In the Commission's view, how far should the Greek Government go and what sort of action should it take to improve the implementation of the CSF?

Answer given by Mr Barnier on behalf of the Commission

(12 February 2003)

The Honourable Member is asked to refer to the table being sent directly to him and also to Parliament's Secretariat. This gives precise information on the state of advance of the national and regional operational programmes of the 3rd Greek CSF.

The level of the Commission's satisfaction over progress in implementing the CSF and any proposals for improving implementation will depend on the findings of the mid-term evaluation to be made (Article 42 of the Regulation laying down general provisions on the Structural Funds(1)) before the end of 2003.

(1) Council Regulation (EC) No 1260/1999 of 21 June 1999.