91997E3210

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3210/97 by Nikitas Kaklamanis (UPE) to the Commission (16 October 1997)

Subject: Underground railway in Thessaloniki

There is much debate in Greece about the possible construction of an underground railway in the northern port area of the city of Thessaloniki. It was recently announced that construction was to be suspended following notification from the Commission that the regulations governing the award of public works contracts in the EU had been infringed.

What is the Commission's official position on the construction of the underground railway in Thessaloniki and what exactly are its objections to the work being carried out?

Answer given by Mr Monti on behalf of the Commission (8 December 1997)

The Commission received a complaint concerning the procedure for awarding the concession for an underground railway at Thessaloniki, and is currently looking into the matter. It is investigating whether the procedure followed complies with Directive 93/37/EEC concerning the coordination of procedures for the award of public works contracts ((OJ L 199, 9.8.1993, p. 54. )) and with the provisions of the EC Treaty and, more specifically, whether the tenders selected for the negotiation phase satisfy not only the technical but also the economic and financial requirements laid down in the tender specifications.

The Commission has had numerous contacts with the Greek Government and interested parties with a view to obtaining the information and clarifications it needs in order to investigate the matter. It has also requested the Greek authorities not to award the contract definitively until it has completed its enquiries.