WRITTEN QUESTION E-0087/06 by Dimitrios Papadimoulis (GUE/NGL) to the Commission Subject: Flood protection works in the Greek region of Evros In spring last year, extensive damage was caused in the region of Evros by widespread flooding. The same phenomenon is reoccurring this year; 5000 hectares have already been flooded and there is justifiable concern that more extensive damage is to come. The following flood protection works are being co-financed under the regional operational programme for Eastern Macedonia and Thrace in the prefecture of Evros: Pythio, Amorio-Lavara, Petalo-Peplo with a budget of € 1 195 584, Kipi-Peplo-Vrisoula-Poros with a budget of € 819 200, and Tyhero with a budget of € 936 000. In addition, the Greece-Bulgaria Interreg III programme is co- financing a project to inspect the quantitative and qualitative features of the rivers Erythropotamos, Ardas and Evros. The budget for the project amounts to € 455 000. Can the Commission say what the take-up rate of appropriations is for the abovementioned projects under the regional operational programme for Eastern Macedonia and Thrace? Have the appropriations for flood protection works also been used to repair damage caused by flooding in 2005? What is the take-up rate for the relevant appropriations under Interreg III? Are there any plans to intensify cross-border cooperation further with a view to preventing flooding, given the amounts available under the Greece-Bulgaria Interreg programme? The Greek Government has announced that it will include the construction of the dam at Aspronerio and Mikro Derio in the 4th CSF. Is it possible, in connection with the revision of the 3rd CSF, to incorporate a number of preparatory measures to enable these projects to be brought to maturity? Has the Greek Government submitted a request for this purpose? 597285.EN PE 369.116.