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(2004/C 33 E/185)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1862/03

by Erik Meijer (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

(6 June 2003)

Subject:   Conflicting information concerning financial returns from, and the impact on the environment and health of, the expansion of Sofia airport

Answer given by Mr Barnier on behalf of the Commission

(4 August 2003)

The Commission is aware of the letter of 24 April 2003 from representatives of various Bulgarian organisations on the Sofia airport development project. The Member of the Commission responsible for Environmental policy replied on 21 May 2003 on behalf of the Commission. The Directorate-General for Regional Policy, which is responsible for managing the ISPA financial instrument, sent additional technical information on 2 June 2003.

The internal rate of return which is an assessment of financial flows, is only one factor to be taken into account in assessing the viability of projects of this type. In addition, the wider economic benefits must be considered within a longer term perspective.

The Commission is satisfied that in this case the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) met the requirements of the ISPA Regulation (4). The EIA and associated decisions issued by the Ministry of Environment and Waters made a number of recommendations to mitigate adverse effects on the local and wider environment. The issue of noise protection is being given particular attention by the Sofia Airport authorities who have initiated a Noise Protection Project and Aviation Noise Monitoring and Flight Tracking System.

The Commission is informed that, under the Noise Protection Project, measures are to be taken to protect houses and other buildings falling within the defined protection zone. When the new runway is operational and noise monitoring system in place, the situation will be reviewed and additional measures taken if necessary. Moreover, Sofia airport authority will establish an information point to allow residents close to the airport to be kept informed about measures taken, the procedures, their rights, different technical options, etc.

Matters relating to any compensation for persons undergoing relocation is subject to national legislation only. This does not involve the Commission.

The Commission does not consider that there is any inconsistency between the foregoing and the answers given to the Honourable Member's previous Written Questions E-2037/02 and E-2038/02.

The Sofia airport reconstruction project is being undertaken in the context of the overall development of the Bulgarian economy and is in line with the Union's objectives to contribute to the improvement of transport infrastructures in the candidate countries. On the basis of the evidence available to the Commission, the project complies with relevant Community rules.

With regard to environmental concerns, the Commission has insisted on correct procedures being followed by the Bulgarian authorities (e.g. condition on EIA in the ISPA financing memorandum). Moreover, the Commission has urged the Bulgarian authorities to provide full and regular information on all environmental aspects of the project, including measures taken to implement the recommendations of the EIA and Ministry of Environment decisions. The non-governmental organisations (NGOs) are represented on the ISPA monitoring committee, which meets twice a year in Bulgaria to review progress on assisted projects. The Commission also engages in regular formal or informal discussions and correspondence with the NGOs.

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(1)OJ L 73, 14.3.1997, p. 5.

(2)OJ C 28 E, 6.2.2003, p. 173.

(3)OJ C 52 E, 6.3.2003, p. 123.

(4)  Council Regulation (EC) No 1267/1999 of 21 June 1999 establishing an Instrument for Structural Policies for Pre-accession, OJ L 161, 26.6.1999.

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