91998E2120(01)

WRITTEN QUESTION P-2120/98

by Antonios Trakatellis (PPE) to the Commission

(30 June 1998)

Subject: Violations, omissions and shoddy workmanship in connection with the implementation of projects in Greece under the Second CSF and the Cohesion Fund and responsibility for these failings

The report by the joint steering committee and recent press reports raise important questions about the proper implementation of projects undertaken in Greece within the framework of the Second Community Support Framework and the Cohesion Fund. In particular these reports note a number of violations, omissions and cases of shoddy workmanship by the construction companies and attribute responsibility for projects worth a total of Drs 2 billion to the supervising bodies and the relevant ministries; the possibility of recovering the money is also being considered.

Will the Commission say:

1. What violations, omissions and cases of shoddy workmanship is it apprised of or have been otherwise detected, and which projects are concerned?

2. How is the implementation of projects monitored and to what extent is this monitoring adequate and effective?

3. Which bodies are responsible for the violations and what sanctions are provided for?

4. What measures are being proposed specifically to rectify omissions and also to avoid similar incidents in future?

5. How will it ensure the proper use of the funds set aside in the Community budget for the implementation of projects?

Answer given by MrsWulf-Mathies on behalf of the Commission

(8 July 1998)

The Commission is conducting a detailed investigation of the problem raised by the Honourable Member and will inform him of the outcome as soon as possible.