WRITTEN QUESTION E-3607/98

by Elisabeth Schroedter (V) to the Commission

(3 December 1998)

Subject: The Cretan islands of Gavdhopoúla and Gávdhos proposed as priority natural habitats of Community importance as part of the Natura 2000 network

1. Is the Commission aware that, on the basis of an in-depth investigation, the Cretan islands of Gavdhopoúla and Gávdhos have been designated by the Greek Ministry for Regional Planning and the Environment as an irreplaceable natural asset and, consequently, proposed as priority natural habitats of Community importance as part of the Natura 2000 network? However, Gavdhopoúla is to be totally demolished, asphalted over and used as an industrial zone, while Gávdhos is to be turned into a high-density urban development?

2. Is the Commission aware of reports that money from the European Structural Funds is to be used for the development and industrialisation or urbanisation of these two islands? If so, what is the total amount involved, and what percentage of the cost will be funded from Community resources?

3. Does the Commission take the view that the destruction of the unique flora and fauna on these islands is compatible with European environmental legislation and the Treaty of Amsterdam, which lays down protection and improvement of the environment as a basic task for all the Member States?

4. To what extent is the Commission aware of the status of the island of Gavdhopoúla? Does it fall within the ambit of the European single market? If not, what is the Commission's view of the theoretical possibility that goods might be traded there without the rules of the single market being applied, despite the island's close geographical proximity to it?

Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission

(12 February 1999)

1. The islands of Gavdos and Gavdopoula form a site included in the list of proposed sites of Community importance (SCIs) transmitted by the Greek authorities to the Commission, pursuant to Council Directive 92/43/EEC on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora(1), with a view to their future inclusion in the European ecological network Natura 2000. The Commission is aware of the issues raised by the Honourable Member concerning the island of Gavdopoula and precise information will be sought from the Greek authorities concerning the industrial plant on Gavdopoula as well as the plans for urban development on Gavdos. According to informal information already provided, the environmental impact assessment study for the projects on Gavdopoula has not been approved by the Ministry of Environment.

2. Following rumours about investments planned on the island of Gavdopoula, the Commission contacted the Greek authorities to obtain information. It emerged that no actual project is in progress and none has been authorised for the islands in question. Consequently, no Community aid has been requested and none is planned.

3. The site in question hosts certain priority habitat types and species and should therefore, according to the criteria set out in Directive 92/43/EEC, be selected as a SCI. As a result, the Commission is of the opinion that the Member State is obliged by Directive 92/43/EEC and its obligations under the EC Treaty to refrain from any activity likely to seriously compromise the ecological integrity of that site.

4. The islands of Gavdos and Gavdopoula are under Greek sovereignty in accordance with the arrangements of the Treaty of London of 1913.

The Act of Accession of Greece to the Communities(2) did not introduce any special regime of any kind for these islands.

The rules of Community law (primary and secondary) apply, therefore, to these islands as they apply to the whole geographical territory of Greece.

(1) OJ L 206, 22.7.1992.

(2) OJ L 291, 19.11.1979.