MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Dangerous and underfunded school buildings – E-001960/2025

Question for written answer  E-001960/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Kostas Papadakis (NI)

The vast majority of school buildings in Greece are in a deplorable condition. 30 % of schools do not comply with any earthquake code at all, and 30 % were built in line with the 1959 code, which is outdated and obsolete. The vast majority of schools are not in line with modern scientific knowledge on earthquake-proofing and protection, leaving pupils and teachers at risk.

Can the Commission therefore answer the following:

• 1.What view does it take of the fact that a large number of school buildings – attended by millions of children in Greece and across the EU – remain outdated and unsuitable, that they are not earthquake-resistant and are therefore dangerous, that they lack modern equipment and infrastructure, sports and leisure areas, that new buildings are needed, and that their maintenance and renovation is a matter of life and death?
• 2.What view does it take of the fact that, although a billion euro treasure trove is being made available for the war economy through ReArm Europe, and while business groups are being supported through the Recovery Fund, the fact remains that, in order to build and renovate schools and to carry out the necessary structural, electrical and fire safety checks, they have to rely on PPPs, sponsorship by large companies and the pittances raised from appeals to private individuals with the aim of passing on costs to the parents themselves?
• 3.What is its view on immediately meeting the demands of pupils, parents and teachers to carry out the structural, electrical and fire safety checks – necessary for everybody’s safety – and to proceed with all the necessary construction of new school buildings, the maintenance and renovation of older ones, without PPPs or concessions to private parties?

Submitted: 15.5.2025