In a written answer to a parliamentary question by S&D MEP Sakis Arnaoutoglou, Executive Vice-President Raffaele Fitto clarified that EU cohesion policy funds do not cover operational or maintenance costs of infrastructure, which remain a national competence. The answer, published on 29 April 2026, responds to concerns over a landslide on the Ionian motorway in Western Greece that suspended traffic on a critical EU-co-financed road, affecting citizen safety and the local economy.
The Commission confirmed that the motorway's construction was co-funded under the 2000-2006 and 2007-2013 programming periods, both now closed with final payments disbursed after verification that projects were complete and functioning. Fitto stressed that EU oversight mechanisms applied only during the programming periods, requiring Member States to establish management and control systems ensuring sound financial management and compliance with eligibility rules, including durability of operations. For the current 2021-2027 period, the Common Provisions Regulation mandates climate-proofing mechanisms for infrastructure investments.
Fitto's answer offers no concrete proposals for investigating the specific landslide or imposing EU-level sanctions, deferring instead to the concession contract, which lays out responsibilities of the concessionaire in cases of natural disasters. The Commission did not address the MEP's call for suspending tolls on closed sections or protecting users from financial burden, leaving those matters to national authorities and contractual arrangements.
Policy orientation: The answer reinforces the principle that EU cohesion funds are investment tools for project completion, not ongoing operational liability. It signals a cautious approach to expanding EU oversight into post-completion infrastructure safety, emphasising national competence and contractual frameworks. No new EU-level monitoring or enforcement mechanisms are proposed.
Expected follow-up: No immediate institutional action is signalled. The Commission's response effectively closes the EU-level dimension, leaving the Greek government and the concessionaire to resolve liability, safety, and toll issues under national law and the concession contract.