For the first time, the Tempi rail disaster was formally discussed in a plenary session of the European Parliament in Strasbourg, with Transport Commissioner Apostolos Tzitzikostas acknowledging systemic failings and confirming that the European Commission has launched an infringement procedure against Greece.
Speaking before MEPs, Tzitzikostas said Greece is making a serious effort to address longstanding safety issues in its railway system. Since taking office, he said he requested a full safety briefing and, in December, triggered infringement proceedings for Greece’s failure to fully implement EU Directive 2016/798 on railway safety.
The Commission cited widespread, systemic, and long-standing deficiencies in the Greek railway sector. Tzitzikostas added that Greece has submitted an action plan and is making good progress according to the most recent update. However, he stressed that if any delays are detected, the procedure will escalate.
Tzitzikostas clarified that the Commission does not replace national authorities nor conduct investigations, but is closely monitoring Greece’s compliance. “Safety is a shared European good,” he said. “It must be our top priority.”
Political responses varied sharply:
New Democracy MEP Eliza Vozemberg criticised the opposition for using the Tempi rail disaster politically, stating that other deadly rail incidents in Europe have not been discussed in plenary. She claimed the government acted swiftly and is providing bimonthly progress updates to the Commission.
By contrast, PASOK’s Giannis Maniatis insisted both political and administrative leaders must be held accountable for the deaths of 57 people, mostly young adults. He described a cover-up that began immediately after the incident and pointed to the unfinished, EU-funded remote signalling contract (Contract 717), still incomplete after nine years.
SYRIZA MEP Kostas Arvanitis accused both Greek and EU institutions of failure. He claimed the Commission knew of the risks and failed to act, citing a 2023 European Union Agency for Railways report highlighting the lack of safety oversight. He criticised the action plan for lacking legal standing and demanded accountability from ministers and EU officials alike.
MEP Afroditi Latinopoulou of the “Patriots for Europe” party condemned the entire debate, promising to escalate the issue in Europe if victims’ families do not receive justice.
MEPs from Renew, the Greens, and other parties also took the floor. French MEP Sandro Gozi called railway safety a European issue, not a national one. Lithuanian MEP Virginijus Sinkevičius stressed that public money must lead to real safety or political responsibility must follow.
Tzitzikostas concluded by promising a forthcoming revision to the regulation governing the European Union Agency for Railways.
Also read: Greece opens consultation on major railway safety reforms
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