VP/HR — Rebuilding Tripoli airport and risks associated with the armed conflict in Libya
28.9.2018
Question for written answer E-004918-18
to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)
Rule 130
Innocenzo Leontini (PPE)
The contract to rebuild the international airport in Tripoli, which has been closed since 2014 because of damage suffered during the conflict in Libya, was awarded to the Aeneas consortium of Italian firms.
The estimated cost of the project is EUR 79 million. Two terminals are to be constructed, one for national flights and the other for international flights, covering a total area of 30 000 square metres. Works are planned to be completed by June 2019.
The escalation in clashes between the militias fighting for control of the country, particularly in the region south of Tripoli, would appear to significantly jeopardise the chances of Aeneas successfully continuing work to rebuild the airport, with probable serious implications for investment and staff.
In view of this, can the VP/HR say:
- 1.In view of this infrastructure project’s strategic importance in stabilising Libya, a country that is crucial to properly managing migration flows to the EU, does she plan to take a direct interest in this issue? And, if yes, in what ways will she do so?
- 2.If it is not possible for the Italian consortium to continue its work, what support instruments could be triggered at EU level?