WRITTEN QUESTION P-0244/03

by Antonios Trakatellis (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(28 January 2003)

Subject: Non-compliance in Greece with the Kyoto Protocol on climate change and unsatisfactory implementation of Regulation (EC) NO 2037/2000 on substances that deplete the ozone layer

According to the Commission's second report(1) on the implementation of Decision 93/389/EEC(2) in Greece, greenhouse gas emissions rose during 2000 to 8.7 index points above the linear target path for the period 2008-2010, which the Member States set to meet the Kyoto targets. Moreover, Greece is failing satisfactorily to implement Regulation (EC) 2037/2000(3) on substances that deplete the ozone layer and has not established any system to promote their recovery pursuant to Article 16, paragraph 6 of that Regulation.

Is the Commission satisfied with the measures taken by Greece in respect of emissions of the gases listed in the annex to the Kyoto Protocol carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), perfluorocarbons (PFCs) and sulphur hexafluoride (SF6) and what measures will the Commission take to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Greece in CO2 equivalents?

Why has the Commission taken no measures in response to the unsatisfactory implementation in Greece of Regulation (EC) 2037/2000 and, in particular, the failure to implement Article 16 which requires that used ozone-depleting substances (e.g. CFCs etc.) be recovered? What measures will it take to prevent the dumping of appliances containing controlled substances (e.g. refrigerators) on rubbish tips in Greece?

In the Commission's view, what measures would be appropriate to reduce greenhouse gases and to reduce and recover used ozone-depleting substances in Greece?

(1) COM(2002) 702 final.

(2) OJ L 167, 9.7.1993, p. 31.

(3) OJ L 244, 29.9.2000, p. 1.

Answer given by Mrs Wallström on behalf of the Commission

(21 February 2003)

Climate change

The actual emissions show that Greece together with eight other Member States had not made sufficient progress until the year 2000 (the latest year for which data are available) towards their burden-sharing target under the Kyoto Protocol if it is assumed that progress towards the target is linear (see also the latest annual report on the monitoring of Community greenhouse gases)(1). The most recent projections available with existing measures (baseline) indicate that the Greek emissions will see an increase by 35,6 % from 1990 levels in the year 2010, while Greece's legally binding burden-sharing target is + 25 % only. Other projections taking account of additional measures have not yet been reported to the Commission. These new projections incorporating the latest list of policies and measures would be useful in assessing the extent to which

the additional measures identified will help Greece to meet its commitment in 2008-2012. In any case the fast implementation of additional measures in Greece as in other Member States is of utmost importance. As a complement to the national Climate change programmes the Commission is currently preparing a number of cost effective Community measures (for instance in the area of energy and transport) in the framework of the European Climate Change Programme (ECCP) in order to reduce emission in the Community.

Ozone layer

In regard to the compliance of Greece with the Council and Parliament Regulation (EC) No 2037/2000 of 29 June 2000 on substances that deplete the ozone layer, the Commission, acting under Article 226 of the EC Treaty, initiated an infringement procedure in July 2002 against all Member States. The Commission considered that Member States had failed to fulfil the reporting requirements pursuant to Articles 16 and 17 of the Regulation. Greek authorities responded in October 2002.

In its response to the Commission on Article 16, Greece described the legal framework for defining the qualifications for personnel installing, maintaining and repairing refrigeration equipment. Presidential Decree No 87 (Government Gazette No 72A/25-4-96) on the Construction, Maintenance, and Repair of Refrigeration Installations and Machinery, describes inter alia the personnel qualifications necessary for professional licenses and performance criteria. Article 19 of this decree requires all measures to avoid leakage into the environment, even small quantities.

However, Greece has not reported specifically on Article 16(6) which includes the systems established to promote the recovery of used controlled substances including the facilities available and the quantities recovered, recycled, reclaimed or destroyed. The Commission is, therefore, seeking further information from Greece in order to determine further action if needed.

(1) COM(2002) 702 final.