Funding for excavation work at the Amphipolis tomb
18.5.2016
Question for written answer P-004034-16
to the Commission
Rule 130
Giorgos Grammatikakis (S&D)
The recently discovered Amphipolis (Kasta) tomb in Greece is a monument of outstanding cultural and historic importance.
Parliament's Committee on Culture and Education, recognising the importance of the monument for Europe's cultural heritage, sent an official delegation to visit Amphipolis in June 2015. The delegation marvelled at the impressive finds in the region and urged the immediate need to protect and promote the monument as the excavations were only half-completed.
So far, however, the monument has remained undeveloped and inaccessible both to visitors and groups of academics. There have been significant delays in funding archaeological studies and restoration work so that the monument and the finds are at serious risk of degradation.
Given the dire financial situation in Greece in recent years, will the Commission say:
- —Does the Amphipolis tomb meet the conditions making it eligible for funding under any EU funding programmes?
- —Has the Greek Government taken the necessary steps to apply for funding for the monument under EU funding programmes?