Answer given by Mr Hahn on behalf of the Commission

The Croatian authorities have not yet applied for financial support from the Cohesion Fund or European Regional Development Fund to construct parts of the Adriatic-Ionian motorway.

The Commission expects that Croatia will submit project proposals based on an official transport strategy, including a robust traffic model. This strategy will define the main characteristics of the infrastructure, based on the type of traffic and forecasted demand. The Commission is supporting the preparation of this strategy and the traffic model within the 2007-2013 Transport programme, co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund.

The completion of the Adriatic and Ionian Motorway, from Trieste to Patras, is a priority for the development of the Adriatic coast and the West-Balkans region. This is also acknowledged within the framework of the Adriatic-Ionian Strategy.