WRITTEN QUESTION E-0543/03

by Elisabeth Schroedter (Verts/ALE) to the Commission

(26 February 2003)

Subject: Bridge linking the island of Rügen with the mainland

Working on behalf of the Federal German Government, DEGES is planning to link the island of Rügen to the mainland by means of a bridge incorporating pylons built to a height of 126 metres. The project will damage the unspoilt landscape of the island and neighbouring mainland areas. Rügen's uniqueness and its rich plant and animal life have for generations offered a guarantee of high-quality tourism and income for the island's inhabitants. Half of the funding for the project is to be provided from the ERDF, even though there is clearly no need for a new bridge. The number of people using the existing link fell substantially between 1992 and 2000.

1. (a) Is the Commission aware that there is no need for the project referred to above, since the capacity of the existing bridge is generally sufficient, with the risk of traffic congestion confined to a small number of days at the beginning and end of the holidays?

(b) Is the Commission aware that the parallel rail link offers substantial unused capacity which has not been properly taken into account thus far?

2. (a) How does the Commission assess the financing arrangements for the bridge, which provide for the repayment of loans from toll proceeds?

(b) Is the Commission aware that this toll can be avoided, since the existing link will remain toll-free in the interests of the local population?

3. What view does the Commission take of the fact that the bridge will stand right in the middle of a route linking two European protection areas (DE 1543-401, DE 1747-401) for migratory birds and seabirds under the bird protection directive, 79/409/EEC?

4. (a) Despite the facts outlined above, does the Commission take the view that the project should be funded using ERDF resources?

(b) If so, on what grounds?

Answer given by Mr Barnier on behalf of the Commission

(9 April 2003)

The Commission is aware of plans of the government of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern to build a new bridge across the Ziegelgraben and Strelasund to the west of the existing road-rail drawbridge. The new bridge is designed as a suspension bridge, held by two pylons, designed to allow ships to pass underneath. It is intended as a toll bridge. The planning and financing of the bridge, which was subject to a public tender procedure, is the responsibility of the German federal and state authorities, not of the Commission.

Regarding the possible effects of the bridge on bird life in the area as mentioned by the Honourable Member, the Commission is currently investigating this issue. Based on the available information, the Commission has taken action to ensure that the Federal Republic of Germany fulfils its obligations under Article 6 (3) of Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora(1) with regard to the possible effects of the planned bridge. As a result, the German authorities are conducting an additional assessment of the possible effects of the bridge on the movements of birds.

The German authorities have not requested support for the project from the Union under the Structural Funds.

(1) OJ L 206, 22.7.1992.