WRITTEN QUESTION E-0422/00

by Mihail Papayannakis (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

(23 February 2000)

Subject: Installation of Greek Electricity Board (DEI) pylons in the Cyclades

For a number of years the DEI has been endeavouring to link up the islands of Andros, Tinos, Syros and Mykonos with high-tension electrical current from Euvoia and to set up pylons on these islands for this purpose. There have already been furious protests from local inhabitants on these islands, and the Council of State has issued a decision invalidating such a move.

Given that:

- the vulnerable natural environment of the islands which is characterised by an austere symmetry and unity cannot absorb interventions of this kind;

- it is established that high-tension electrical cables have adverse effects on health;

- energy projects require a long-term perspective and a comprehensive assessment and forecast of the environmental consequences;

- in fragile and isolated ecosystems featuring a rich or unique biodiversity, such as the northern Cyclades, only environmentally-friendly technical projects and interventions may be deemed viable and permissible;

- the obligation to protect fragile ecosystems is based directly on Articles 24 and 106 of the Greek Constitution and Article 174 of the EC Treaty;

- the invalidating decision by the Council of State provides that by its very nature the installation of a high-tension electricity network involving the erection of pylons constitutes a brutal assault on the environment of the Cyclades. This environment which is characterised by an austere symmetry and great natural beauty and is inextricably linked to the specific cultural assets of these islands should be protected in accordance with Article 24 of the Constitution.

Will the Commission intervene with the appropriate Greek authorities and recommend that the DEI examine and implement an alternative solution (plans for underwater links, underground cables, environmentally-friendly forms of energy) even if it proves more expensive, so as to protect the cultural and architectural heritage of the Cyclades, and also the environment and public health, in accordance with the letter and spirit of the Greek Constitution and the principles of viable development and the protection of human health enshrined in the Treaty (Articles 174 and 152, respectively)?

Answer given by Mrs de Palacio on behalf of the Commission

(11 April 2000)

Generally speaking, the EU trans-European energy network policy encourages the connection of mainland and island electricity grids. This reduces the need for electricity production on the islands themselves, cuts production costs and creates the technical conditions to generate electricity on the islands from renewable sources, such as wind power.

In the framework of the Community guidelines for TEN-Energy, project a9. Greece: connections between the islands, and the islands and mainland Greece has been identified as a project of common interest.

It is true that the Greek Council of State invalidated the authorisations granted to the Greek Electricity Board (DEI) to set up pylons on some islands in the Cyclades.

Nevertheless, the Greek Electricity Board re-examined the project and, under the aegis of the 1999 TEN-Energy programme, obtained co-financing to carry out feasibility, evaluation, technical and environmental studies for the Connection of the Southern Cycladic Islands to the mainland electricity grid of Greece.

The routes, technical aspects and authorisation procedures chosen to carry out the process of connection must comply with the commitments arising from Community directives, particularly the directives on environmental protection.