Based on a response sent by the Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism, Apostolos Tzitzikostas to a question posed by the Vice-President of the Group of European Socialists and Democrats and Head of the PASOK Eurogroup, Yannis Maniatis “The Commission is unable to take a position on the question raised by the Member of Parliament, given that the operation of heritage and tourist railways is governed by national rules.”
Furthermore, the response explicitly states the obligation to finance measures to enhance the climate resilience of investments, noting that “recognizing the importance of the resilience of infrastructure projects, Regulation (EU) 2021/1060 provides that appropriate mechanisms to enhance the climate resilience of infrastructure investments should be part of the implementation of funds for the 2021–2027 funding period.”
Furthermore, according to the Commissioner’s same response,“the Greek authorities have informed the Commission that the Region of Western Greece intends to finance the preparatory studies for the reactivation of the railway line using its own resources.”
Consequently, it is obvious and self-evident that the entirety of the studies, works, and safety measures required to reopen the Odontotos Railway falls under the exclusive responsibility of the Greek government. The residents of Kalavryta and visitors to the area are awaiting the decisions of the relevant Ministry.
Below is the response from Commissioner Ap. Tzitzikostas, as well as the relevant question from G. Maniatis.
EL
E-001395/2026
Response from Mr. Tzitzikostas
on behalf of the European Commission
(June 3, 2026)
“1. Based on the available information, the Commission understands that the Diakopto–Kalavryta railway line is of historical or tourist interest. As provided for in Article 2(3)(b) of Directive (EU) 2016/798[1] and in Article 1(4)(b) of Directive (EU) 2016/797[2], most Member States, including Greece, have decided not to apply the implementing measures of these Directives to infrastructure and vehicles intended exclusively for local, historical, or tourist use. Consequently, the Commission is unable to take a position on the question raised by the Member of Parliament, given that the operation of historic and tourist railways is governed by national rules.
2. The project “Upgrading of the Diakopto–Kalavryta railway line” was co-financed under the “Western Greece” operational program for 2000–2006, with a Union contribution of EUR 8,336,627. Cohesion policy funds do not cover the operational and maintenance costs of infrastructure. Recognizing the importance of the resilience of infrastructure projects, Regulation (EU) 2021/1060[3] provides that appropriate mechanisms to enhance the climate resilience of infrastructure investments should be part of the implementation of funds for the 2021–2027 funding period.
The Greek authorities have informed the Commission that the Region of Western Greece intends to finance the preparatory studies for the reactivation of the railway line using its own resources.
3. To strengthen the protection of critical infrastructure, the EU adopted Directive (EU) 2022/2557[4], which adopts an all-hazards approach, taking into account both man-made and natural hazards, and covers 11 sectors, including transport. By July 2026, Member States must identify their critical entities, which will then be required to strengthen their resilience in accordance with the standards set out in the Directive.”
Question for written answer E-001395/2026
to the Commission
Rule 144 of the Rules of Procedure
Yannis Maniatis (S&D)
Subject: Suspension of operations on the Diakopto–Kalavryta rack railway
“130 years after it began operating, the Greek government recently suspended operations of the Diakopto–Kalavryta Rack Railway. This decision raises serious concerns regarding compliance with the European acquis on transport safety, infrastructure resilience, and the protection of areas of high environmental value.
Despite the recording of several landslide events, particularly following the 2023 wildfires, and the relevant scientific warnings, no plan for erosion protection and reinforcement of the line has been implemented, while a multitude of technical failures and serious safety incidents have been recorded.
The complete suspension of the Odontotos line’s operations, without a clear timeline for restoration and without utilizing existing studies and European funds, risks rendering this investment obsolete and places a significant burden on the local economy, tourism, and social cohesion.
The Commission is asked:
1. How does it assess Greece’s compliance with its European obligations regarding rail transport safety and infrastructure resilience, given the complete suspension of operations of an EU-co-funded transport infrastructure in an economically vulnerable mountainous region without a clear restoration plan?
2. How does it ensure that the approximately €45 million in European funds spent on upgrading the line are not being rendered obsolete due to inadequate maintenance and risk management?
3. Given that the area falls under the NATURA 2000 network, has it been determined that the obligations regarding prevention, restoration, and protection against natural hazards affecting critical infrastructure have been met?”