The steps for starting the construction of the Patra-Pyrgos motorway

According to the planning of the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport, the preparation and the process of approval of the implementation of the Patras – Pyrgos project are progressing. According to the sources of the ministry, the process of transferring the implementation of the project to the concession of Olympia Odos is proceeding smoothly, in close cooperation with the European Commission, who is fully aware of the planning of the Ministry.

In fact, observing what has been said recently and in relation to the criticism that has been exercised, they point out that with absolute respect for the EU acquis, the Ministry has methodically taken the following steps to ensure the approval by the European Commission of the implementation of this long-suffering project:

– As it is already known, European Commission had made serious objections to the possibility of completing the project by the end of 2023 with the previous planning, which led to mathematical accuracy in the loss of Community funds and the burden on the national budget.

– Making a significant effort, the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport achieved the capability of financing the project after 2024 on the basis of the new design of the project as a whole.

-Furthermore, the Ministry has promptly notified the implementation of the project, through the concession, to the competent General Directorate of the Public Procurement Commission (DG GROW), the outcome of which is expected within the next period.

Following the positive outcome of the evaluation by DG GROW, the Ministry of will proceed with the notification of the project to the competent Directorate-General for Competition of the Commission, which is the only one responsible for the evaluation and approval of the project in terms of competition.

At the same time, and in order to speed up the approval procedures, the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport has already proceeded to the elaboration of the necessary supporting studies which document the positions of the Greek side in the context of the competition.

Regarding the co-financing of the implementation of the project within the concession, the Ministry – in cooperation with the competent managing authority – is in constant contact with the competent management of the Commission (DG REGIO) for the reconfirmation of the financing of the project and even in more favorable temporal conditions after obtaining the above approvals.

According to the same sources, there is an understanding of the concern of the local community in relation to the project and for this reason they reaffirm again that its implementation is a first priority of the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport after receiving of course all required by EU and national law approvals, which will allow its realization.