TAE: “No EU funding for dubious companies involved in the construction of the Bulgarian motorway”

In light of recent media reports, the European Taxpayers’ Association (TAE) is calling on the Bulgarian Government to review the guidelines governing the allocation of EU funds totalling 1.5 billion euros for motorway construction in Bulgaria.

Although the Bulgarian government is doing everything it can to prevent undesirable developments, it must not let the public down now. “Extremely long construction times, poor quality and the awarding of contracts to consortia with links to organised crime can no longer be tolerated,” said Rolf von Hohenhau, President of the European Taxpayers’ Association.

Allegedly, industrial ash was used instead of solid sub-base for the construction of the Trakia motorway section between Stara Zagora and Nova Zagora. In the case of the Maritza motorway from central Bulgaria towards Turkey, the contract was awarded to a consortium whose bid – according to experts – makes the construction of a motorway impossible. The background information on this consortium is highly controversial due to its links to organised crime (according to Wikipedia).

Now, with the Struma motorway to Greece – one of Europe’s most important transport hubs, featuring numerous tunnels and bridges – another major project is on the agenda. “Brussels must provide support in word and deed. Certified site managers should oversee and monitor this construction project from the outset. Only external, independent oversight can guarantee a smooth construction process, ensure cost certainty and reduce the risk of shoddy workmanship and planning errors. Above all, however, it prevents fraud and corruption,” said President von Hohenhau. These risks should be minimised right from the tendering process.

Brussels/Munich, 18 May 2011.
Rudolf G. Maier, Press Spokesperson.

Enquiries:

TAE Munich office, Michael Jäger:
Tel.: 49 89 12600820.

TAE Brussels office, Walter Grupp:
Tel.: 32 2 7387112.