WRITTEN QUESTION E-0157/98 by Mihail Papayannakis (GUE/NGL) to the Commission (2 February 1998)

Subject: Repairs to the Corinth Canal

The Corinth Canal is one of the greatest technical feats in the world and extremely important for the Greek economy. Being 100 years old, it naturally requires a great deal of maintenance work.

Following a collapse in the walls on 18 December 1997, the canal was closed for a lengthy period. The cost of repairs is put at Drs 30 billion. Is there any possibility of Union funding for these repairs and have the Greek authorities submitted a request to that effect?

Answer given by Mrs Wulf-Mathies on behalf of the Commission (4 March 1998)

The Commission has not received any application for financing of the work to which the Honourable Member refers.

However, the Greek authorities can submit such an application following the procedures provided for in the Community support framework (CSF). The Commission is prepared to examine all financing possibilities in partnership with the Greek authorities, subject to the availability of funds under the CSF.