11/02/2019
Greece is redoubling its efforts to comply with EU provisions in the energy and environment sectors in the hope of ensuring commensurate benefits for its citizens. A major step in this direction is the power link-up between Crete and Attica, the biggest project in the history of the National Power Transmission System, which will cover the island’s ever-increasing energy needs even after the Public Power Corporation meets its commitment to shut down its diesel units in 2020.
By Decision No 816/2018, the Energy Regulatory Authority instructed Independent Power Transmission Operator (ADMIE) to set up a ‘special purpose vehicle’ (SPV) to monitor the development and implementation of the project, endowing it with a start-up capital of EUR 200 000 000 and ensuring that it had the necessary technical expertise and reliability as well as adequate funding. The EU, however, has lost no time in raising objections.
In view of this:
1. Can the Commission give the reasons for EU opposition to awarding ADMIE the Crete-Attica link-up project?
2. Given the potentially serious consequences of the Commission’s actions, resulting in delayed project implementation, what assistance will be given to Greece in meeting its commitments to the EU?
