WRITTEN QUESTION E-0741/98

by Mihail Papayannakis (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

(18 March 1998)

Subject: Projects on the island of Gavdopoula

According to a study submitted to the Ministry for the Environment, Regional Planning and Public Works for approval, plans are afoot to set up an industrial container production unit and a transit centre on the island of Gavdopoula. The planning study provides for the construction of industrial installations and buildings covering a total area of 31 000 sq. m. and the establishment of fuel tanks for supplying vessels. The construction of these buildings and installations means that Gavdopoula which today rises 43 metres above sea level will have to be levelled to 6 metres.

In view of:

a. the reaction by environmental organisations and local bodies;

b. the fact that a decision is expected from the Central Archaeological Council in this connection because of the presence of archaeological remains both on dry land and submerged in the sea;

c. the fact that Gavdopoula and Gavdos have been proposed by the relevant Greek authorities for inclusion in Natura 2000; and

d. Article 6 of Directive 92/43/EEC(1) on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora.

Will the Commission say:

1. whether the investment in question is included in Community funding plans;

2. whether it intends to request information and explanations from the relevant Greek authorities on how their proposal to include Gavdopoula in Natura 2000 is compatible with the investment in question which poses a threat to the environment;

3. whether an appropriate environmental impact study has been carried out in respect of this investment, focusing on the environmental dimension and the need to conserve the natural environment of the region; and

4. whether it can give assurances that it will intervene with the relevant Greek authorities to achieve a compromise based on the sound and balanced management of this ecosystem of European significance within the meaning of Council Directive 92/43/EEC?

Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission

(22 April 1998)

1. The investment in question has not been introduced for funding by the structural funds.

2. The islands of Gavdos and Gavdopoula have been proposed by the Greek authorities as a site of Community importance in the framework of Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora(2). In fact, the site hosts a number of priority habitats and species and their deterioration or disturbance should be avoided in view of the future inclusion of the site into the Natura 2000 network.

3. and 4. The Commission is examining the issues raised by the Honourable Member and a letter will be sent to the Greek authorities asking for precise information concerning the projects for the construction of an industrial production unit and a transit centre on the island of Gavdopoula. In particular, the Commission will investigate compliance with the provisions of Community law (Council Directives 85/337/EEC of 27 June 1985 on the assessment of the effects of certain public and private projects on the environment(3) and 92/43/EEC).

(1) OJ L 206, 22.7.1992, p. 7.

(2) OJ L 206, 22.7.1992.

(3) OJ L 175, 5.7.1985.