Greek MEP Yannis Maniatis (S&D) has submitted a parliamentary question to the European Commission regarding the recent suspension of the Diakopto-Kalavryta Rack Railway, a historic 130-year-old line in a mountainous region of Greece. The question, filed on 7 April 2026, raises concerns about compliance with EU transport safety rules, the waste of approximately €45 million in EU co-funding, and the protection of the NATURA 2000 area through which the railway passes. The suspension, ordered by the Greek government without a clear restoration timeline, impacts local tourism, the economy, and social cohesion in an economically vulnerable region.
first, how the Commission assesses Greece's compliance with EU rail safety and infrastructure resilience obligations given the indefinite suspension; second, how it will ensure that the €45 million in EU funds spent on upgrading the line are not lost due to inadequate maintenance and risk management; and third, whether Greece has met its obligations under NATURA 2000 to prevent and restore natural hazards affecting critical infrastructure. The MEP notes that multiple landslides, especially after the 2023 wildfires, and scientific warnings have not led to anti-corrosion protection or line reinforcement, while technical failures and safety incidents have been recorded.
Maniatis, a member of the Socialists and Democrats group, is pressing the Commission to clarify whether Greece's actions violate EU law and to demand a concrete restoration plan. The Commission typically has six weeks to respond, and its answer will signal its stance on enforcing transport safety and fund accountability in member states.
Policy orientation and ambition The question reflects a push for stricter enforcement of EU transport safety and environmental rules, particularly for co-financed infrastructure. It seeks to hold Greece accountable for maintaining EU-funded projects and protecting NATURA 2000 sites, balancing economic development with environmental and safety standards.
Expected follow-up The Commission's reply, due by mid-May 2026, will indicate whether it will launch an infringement procedure or demand a restoration plan. The outcome could set a precedent for how the EU handles similar cases of suspended co-funded infrastructure in vulnerable regions.
← Atlas › News › Transport & Infrastructure