92000E1835

WRITTEN QUESTION P-1835/00

by Gorka Knörr Borràs (Verts/ALE) to the Commission

(31 May 2000)

Subject: Trans-Pyrenean highway Navarre-Aquitaine

The Government of Navarre is studying the possibility of building a highway across the Pyrenees linking Pamplona/Iruña and Bayonne.

Does the Commission support this project, as is claimed by representatives of said regional government?

In view of the Navarre Government's failure to provide information, is the Commission aware of, or has it assessed, the enourmous environmental impact of said project?

Does the Commission not consider that there is a far greater need to improve the national highway N-121 and the railway connections?

Answer given by Mrs de Palacio on behalf of the Commission

(11 July 2000)

According to the information in the Commission's possession there is indeed a projected new highway linking Pamplona with Bayonne. However, this project does not form part of the trans-European transport network as defined in Decision No 1692/96 on Community guidelines for the development of the trans-European transport network. So far the Spanish and French Governments have not asked the Commission to alter the definition of network in order to add this project, which thus remains within the purview of the national authorities.

In accordance with the declaration made in 1996 the Commission is, at this stage, also analysing projected Pyrenean crossings using a central route and by reopening the Pau-Canfranc line with a view to including these in the trans-European network maps. The projected improvements to highway N-121 is a common-interest project within the trans-European network. That network must consist of high-quality roads. The Commission thus supports any project enabling that aim to be achieved.