WRITTEN QUESTION E-2684/00

by Roberta Angelilli (UEN) to the Commission

(1 September 2000)

Subject: Fire emergency in Italy

Taking into consideration:

- that the Community and the Member States set particular store by conservation of woodland and forest resources and have entered into commitments at international level to promote sustainable development of forest and forest ecosystems (as evidenced by Regulation (EEC) No 3528/86(1) and COM(1999) 379(2)). The Union's southern countries are being affected by desertification, and the woodlands of the Mediterranean maquis consequently have a vitally important role to play in preserving the ecosystems of these arid and semi-arid areas;

- that in Italy many fires have been started with criminal intent, in particular the serious fire in the Ostia pine forest near Rome, in which the negligence of the local authorities was a further contributory factor (open spaces are not cleaned or properly maintained, supervision is inadequate, and there is not enough emergency equipment such as hydrants). Under the decree of 29 March 1996, published in the Italian Official Gazette, the parkland was made a State nature reserve of the Roman coast. The City of Rome is responsible for management, which is financed by the necessary funds;

- that the law laying down appropriate punishments for pyromaniacs has still to be discussed in the Italian Chamber of Deputies, and the draft outline law, approved by the Senate on 28 July 1999, has been blocked since September in the Italian Parliament's Environment Committee.

1. Can the Commission say what it thinks about the delays by both the Italian Parliament and the City of Rome in implementing the complete range of legislative and operational measures required to prevent fires?

2. Can it express a general view on the matter?

(1) OJ L 326, 21.11.1986, p. 2.

(2) OJ C 307 E, 26.10.1999, p. 32.

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

(25 October 2000)

1. Although the fight against both criminality and fires is a matter for the Member States, the Commission hopes that appropriate legislative and operational measures will be implemented as soon as possible, in particular in the region of the Lazio.

2. The Commission entirely agrees with the Honourable Member about the importance of safeguarding Mediterranean forestry ecosystems in arid and semi-arid regions and the need to take effective prevention and monitoring measures.

That is why on 17 July 2000 the Commission, acting under Council Regulation (EEC) No 2158/92, of 23 July 1990,(1) approved a programme for the prevention of forest fires presented by the Italian government for implementation in 2000 which costs 3,68 million, of which the Community will contribute 1,67 million. This programme provides for surveillance measures in forests such as the provision of off-road vehicles to provide initial assistance and the acquisition of radio equipment, the construction of tracks, fire breaks and water points, training measures and research into the causes of fire and public information campaigns.

The rural development programme for the region of Lazio approved by the Commission on 20 July 2000 included measures to prevent and combat forest fires. The implementation of these measures could make a useful improvement to the situation of forest fires in this region, provided the plan to protect the forests in this region is forwarded to the Commission and receives a favourable opinion.

(1) OJ L 217, 31.7.1992.