EU chief, Mitsotakis discuss technical support over Greek railways

Almost a week after Greece’s deadly rail crash, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen tweeted Monday she discussed with Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis “further technical support that the EU can provide to Greece to modernize its railways and improve their safety.”

She added that experts from the Commission and the EU Agency for Railways (ERA) will travel this week to Athens.

“Rail safety is paramount,” von der Leyen said.

A stationmaster accused of causing the disaster last Tuesday was charged with negligent homicide and jailed pending trial Sunday, while Mitsotakis apologized for any responsibility his conservative government may bear for the tragedy.

This morning I discussed with PM @kmitsotakis further technical support that the EU can provide to Greece to modernise its railways and improve their safety.

Commission and @ERA_railways experts will travel this week to Athens.

Rail safety is paramount.

— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) March 6, 2023