Brussels, 20/01/2014 (Agence Europe) - European Commissioner for Industry and Entrepreneurship Antonio Tajani wants to find a “reasonable solution” in the conflict that pits the European consortium in charge of the work of widening the Panama Canal against the authorities of Panama.
Tajani has agreed to act as mediator in the dispute between the administration of Panama and the three companies (Italian, Spanish and Belgian) which are leading the consortium in charge of work on widening the canal. The dispute relates to further funding of €1.2 billion requested by the consortium in order to meet the extra costs due to unforeseen geological problems on the worksite and to be able to continue their work - the initial cost of which stood at €3.2 billion.
“Tajani wants to find a reasonable solution for all the parties”, said a European Commission spokesperson on 20 January. The same day, Tajani contacted the authorities of the three countries represented by the companies in the consortium and was due to hold discussions with the EIB and the authorities of Panama. The initial result of this mediation on Monday was that the consortium did not suspend its work and agreed to continue it until a solution is found. (EH/transl.fl)