91997E3838

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3838/97 by Nikitas Kaklamanis (UPE) to the Commission (28 November 1997)

Subject: Seismic protection in Greece and the high cost of new projects

Greece is known to be the country most prone to earthquakes in the European Union. Accordingly the new Greek Seismic Protection Regulation (NEAK) drawn up by the Greek Ministry of Regional Planning, Housing

and the Environment introduces doubly stringent standards regarding iron reinforcement in the construction of new housing in Greece, resulting in a 15% increase in costs, which is excessively high for the average Greek.

Has a comprehensive seismologic study been carried out in connection with recent work on the Athens underground railway and the new airport in Spata? Does the Commission intend to create a special Structural Fund reserve earmarked for new public and private projects so that they can be fully guaranteed to withstand earthquakes, given that prevention of disasters is infinitely preferable to measures to remedy the damage they cause in both material and human terms?

Answer given by Mrs Wulf- Mathies on behalf of the Commission (19 January 1998)

The antiseismic regulations in force in Greece are applied to the study and construction of the Athens underground, the Spata airport, and all other projects in Greece which are part-financed by the European Regional Development Fund or the Cohesion Fund.

The cost of studies and construction under these projects, including the additional cost of applying the antiseismic regulations, is eligible for a contribution from these Funds so there is no need for a special reserve for this purpose.