The threat of privatization of the most significant of the common goods, that of water, unites more and more people in actions aiming at preventing this disastrous in terms of public interest development . This time it is the artists who take a stand and respond to the call of SAVEGREEWATER, the initiative for the non- privatization of water in Greece , to express in public their opinion and strengthen in their own way its defense.

Glykeria as an artist, has accompanied with her songs and the sensitivity that distinguishes her our life and dreams for many years. Discreet, yet deeply politicized,  she could not possibly remain indifferent to the major issue of the forthcoming privatization of water in our country and responded immediately to our call , to add her unique voice to the voices of all those who have signed either the European Citizens’ Initiative right2water or the still ongoing signature collection via avaaz of a letter which is addressed to the Government and the Troika, a letter requesting revocation of this irrational and undemocratic policy.

[box] A historical decision was taken by the Municipal Board of Pallini, AGAINST the sell-off of water and sanitation infrastructure and FOR water as a common good. [/box] [box] The first courageous decision that paves the road on attican level for more to follow is a reality. Expressing the residents will, the Municipality of Pallini adopted their resolution for the water to remain a secure and inexpensive good for all people, and the managing company, EYDAP, to stay in public hands and to continue to be a public and social company.[/box]

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We have to add, after the intervention of a member of Movement 136, -which we want to thank- that the first municipality in the country, that took a decision against the privatization of water is the Municipality of Thessaloniki. Recently, at the council meeting on 21.1.13, the Movement 136 made a presentation of its proposal for the non-privatization of water and for the passage of the company to the hands of citizens of Thessaloniki.After a discussion the council unanimously opposed the privatization of EYATH. Also, in the municipality Ampelokipon-Menemeni in Thessaloniki on 9.1.13 it was founded the corresponding water cooperative, in which first member became the Mayor of Ampelokipon-Menemeni.

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The current capitalization of the company in respect of the fixed assets is (473/324 million euros) are at 39%, compared with the company’s equity (473/857 million euros) at. 55%.This image indicates that the value of the stock and the overall market capitalization is not responding to the real value of the company. From the financial statements of the first quarter of 2012 the net profitability of 5 million euros after removing taxes of 2 million euros approximately. The company, through its policy on requirements, lends indirectly regional organizations and the Greek public values of about 388 million euros. From the company’s investment plans the eight years 2000-2008 the Greek Government dues to the company grants worth 322 million euros. In EYDAP the Public owns 61,33% and capitalization reaching 475 million euros, which means that the value of public involvement is in 290 million.  This picture without further analysis shows the massive devaluation of the current value of the company. If someone bought it on the current value he would have bought it for free and would also receive a grant of 32 million euros (difference value caps and related grants).P.S. 10% of EYDAP’s share capital owned by ATE Bank SA has already been given for free to Piraeus Bank.

The above economic sata are based on the condensed published financial reports of EYDAP group on 31 March 2012

Here follows the translation in english  of the alterthess relative article

If EYDAP is sold, the purchaser should receive within 90 days the huge uncontested debts of the State and of the municipalities that were created decades ago. This will happen if the new owner simply proceeds in “legal proceedings against the debtor,” according to EU legislation”, mentioned in a statement from the press office of SYRIZA.

“These are derived from the response to the relevant Commissioner for taxation and opposition against fraud,” claimed Mr. A. Šemeta, when he was asked by a member of EEC Parliament of SYRIZA Mr. Chountis in relation to the State’s debts and municipalities to “EYDAP”.  Later the press office of SYRIZA added: “This reply is a bomb on the economics of government and the municipalities, which both owe 522 million euro (without supplements) to EYDAP. Simultaneously we can see the grotesque situation created by the sale of EYDAP that while they want to sell it for about 250 million euro, the new buyer from the first day can easily demand 522 million euro and surcharges that are confirmed debt. ”

On the question of Mr. N. Chountis which he notes that “the Greek government and municipalities are in debt to EYDAP (Corporate Body) hundreds of millions of unpaid invoices … and yet there are huge debts of the state to the company from grants for capital expenditures “, he asks the Commission to clarify whether  the Directives 2000/35/EC and 2011/7 / EU can be applied to these debts. These Directives provided in case of late payment in commercial transactions between businesses and public authorities, the payments are demandable directly by the company and its shareholders.

In his reply Mr. Šemeta, emphasizes clearly that “The Directive 2000/35/EC  Is abolished beginning from the 16 March 2013, by the Directive 2011/7/EU. Both Directives provide for the procedure of making out a practicable title to the creditor for the recovery of uncontested debts in case the creditor has commenced legal proceedings against the debtor. “

Here is the full question and answer:

Question N. Chountis

State’s debts to EYDAP (Corporation Body)

According to information the Greek State and Municipalities are in debt to EYDAP (Corporation Body) hundreds of millions of unpaid invoices.

Moreover, according to the same sources, there are huge debts of the State to the company from grants for capital expenditure in the period 2000-2010 and from the contractual obligation of the State to pay 60% of the capital costs related to the conservation, operation and expansion of water and sewerage system.

In view of the fact that in my question 008870/2011, the Commission responded that it had been given “detailed analysis of institutional characteristics and financial accounts of public corporations, as provided by the rules set out in the European System of Accounts (ESA-95) “, and given the Directive 2000/35/EC as reworded by the Directive 2011/7/EE taking into consideration the opposition against late payments in commercial transactions.

The Commission requests

Is it possible to inform us about the amount of debt the State has and the municipalities relating to outstanding invoices to EYDAP, for the outstanding grants and the amount of commitments for capital expenditure on water and the sewerage system?

For debts on unpaid services, the current legal framework provides, according to the Directive 2000/35/EC in addition to the reworded Directive 2011/7/EE considering the opposition against the late payment in commercial transactions, if the debts are due from the company and its shareholders.

Reply by Mr. Šemeta

The data for due debts of the Greek state and municipalities have been submitted to the Commission (Eurostat) by the Greek Statistical Authority at a mass level. This data has been submitted to Greek Statistical Authority by the Greek authorities and therefore should include any arrears of the state and municipalities in EYDAP (Water Supply and Sewerage of Capital). The Commission (Eurostat) does not collect data on arrears in individual companies.

The Directive 2000/35/EC is being abolished from the beginning of 16 March 2013, by the Directive 2011/7/EU. Both Directives provide for the procedure of making out a practicable title to the creditor for the recovery of uncontested debts in the case which the creditor has commenced legal proceedings against the debtor.

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On Wednesday 24 and on Thursday 25 -10-2012 there is a discussion in the Parliament on abolishing the minimum participation of the public sector  (51%) in the Public services companies EYATH. EYDAP. OLTH. OLP,ELTA e.t.c. In essence the voting of this law by the Parliament means the sell-off of these social services and public goods immediately.