Loss of international passenger trains in Greece

11.4.2013

Question for written answer E-004098-13
to the Commission
Rule 117
Michael Cramer (Verts/ALE)

Given the deterioration of international rail services to and from Greece, I would like to submit the following questions to the Commission:

• 1.Is the Commission aware that all Greek rail border crossings were closed to passenger trains as of 13 February 2011? If so, will the Commission act to encourage Greece to restore these connections as soon as possible? If not, why not?
• 2.Which rail routes in Greece have been upgraded with EU money? Please indicate the name of each line, the period during which it was in operation, the total construction costs and the amount of co-funding provided by the EU
• 3.Where OSE (Greek Railways) has cut passenger or freight train operations on infrastructure built or upgraded with EU funds, will the Commission ask Greece to restore services or repay this money? If not, why not?
• 4.How will the Commission ensure that public spending cuts demanded by EU institutions do not undermine sustainable mobility objectives?

OJ C 20 E, 23/01/2014