Source: European Parliament
Priority question for written answer P-001667/2024/rev.1
to the Commission
Rule 144
Rosa Serrano Sierra (S&D)
Heavy rainfall in the Huesca and French Pyrenees has caused extensive damage to transport infrastructure. Some roads – such as the Somport and Bielsa border crossings – have had to be closed and will need to be repaired before they can be reopened.
The Spanish authorities have expressed solidarity with their French counterparts and have stated that the priority should be to reopen the routes as soon as possible. France has announced, however, that the Somport crossing will be closed for 6 months, which would disrupt socio-economic development and the mobility of cross-border workers and tourists.
The Commission recognises that the Member States are free to impose proportionate and justified restrictions on free movement.
Bearing in mind that the priority should be to carry out the works as soon as possible to ensure that the border crossing is safe again, I would ask the following questions:
- 1.Has an assessment of the damage been carried out to justify the closure time announced by France?
- 2.How could the Commission help ensure that the works on the French side do not exceed the time strictly necessary to allow cross-border journeys to resume?
- 3.If that justified period of time is exceeded, will the Commission demand that France reopens the crossing immediately?
Submitted: 10.9.2024