91997E3409

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3409/97 by Roberta Angelilli (NI) to the Commission (28 October 1997)

Subject: Construction of the Castel Sant'Angelo underpass in Rome

The 'Castel Sant'Angelo Underpass' project has now undergone substantial modifications. The original project has been radically changed (it was recognized as being impossible to carry out, whilst work was under way), the estimated cost has risen from 100 to 169 billion lire, and the completion dates have obviously been put back. Whilst the Commission was still awaiting answers from the Italian authorities to its requests concerning the environmental impact assessment of the old project, a similar problem arose in connection with the new project.

In view of this, can the Commission say:

1. whether the new project complies with Directive 85/337/EEC ((OJ L 175, 5.7.1985, p. 40.)) on environmental impact assessment, in particular as regards the involvement of the general public in the procedures and respecting and safeguarding the architectural heritage and historic monuments;

2. whether, in view of the increased estimated cost (of this and other projects covered by the Rome 2000 Framework Agreement), the EIB will increase its funding proportionately;

3. whether the delayed completion will jeopardize EIB financing for the project;

4. under what circumstances the EIB might withdraw its funding?

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

The project in question is not one of the investment projects selected by the European Investment Bank (EIB) under its Rome 2000 financing programme. Accordingly, the EIB has not undertaken a preliminary study.

The Commission does not possess any additional information about the project as Member States are not obliged to communicate to it any information regarding environmental impact assessments for every project they plan to carry out.