92000E1877

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1877/00

by Konstantinos Hatzidakis (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(9 June 2000)

Subject: Progress on the Attica highway and the Athens suburban railway

The Attica highway, known as the Elefsina Stavrou Spata Airport freeway, is a major project which is closely associated with the operation of the new airport in Spata and the 2004 Olympic Games. The original budget of this project was Drs. 450 billion, and it was due to be completed and gradually handed over between 2001 and 2002. Recently a number of airlines have been threatening to boycott Spata airport if the above highway leading to the new airport has not been completed. There are also signs that the suburban railway linking the new airport of Spata and Athens will not be ready for the Olympic Games in 2004, since the competition for the choice of consultant for the project will be invalidated.

Will the Commission say:

1. What is the overall take-up rate of appropriations for the project so far, what is the delay in the handover of the project and has any provision been made for the payment of compensation for this delay?

2. When is the project expected to be opened to traffic given the present rate of construction?

3. What are the consequences likely to be for the operation of Spata airport if the Attica highway is not completed in time?

4. What exactly is to be done to link the centre of Athens by rail to the new airport of Spata?

Answer given by Mr Barnier on behalf of the Commission

(19 July 2000)

The Commission is collecting the information it needs to answer the question. It will communicate its findings as soon as possible.