WRITTEN QUESTION E-0279/03

by Jan Dhaene (Verts/ALE) to the Commission

(7 February 2003)

Subject: Mobilisation of civil defence forces in the wake of the Prestige disaster

In connection with the efforts to deal with the oil pollution caused by the sinking of the Prestige there were severe delays in implementing the civil defence measures coordinated by the relevant authorities. This is well illustrated by the fact that Belgian civil defence units were on the scene before the Spanish Army. Volunteers from throughout Europe have demonstrated their solidarity by helping to clean the oil from beaches.

In the light of the above, can the European Commission state:

1. Whether it received from the Spanish, Portuguese or French authorities requests for logistical or coordinating assistance or assistance in the form of know-how in the first three weeks following the Prestige disaster?

2. Does it intend, in the future, to play in a role in developing a European civil defence force or in coordinating the Member States' civil defence forces?

3. Does it intend to introduce a voluntary civil defence force coordinated at European level?

4. Which Commissioner and which department in which DG is responsible for civil defence?

5. Is the Commission offering know-how and practical support or coordination in connection with the sustainable rehabilitation of affected areas covered by the Natura 2000 programme?

Answer given by Mrs Wallström on behalf of the Commission

(17 March 2003)

1. The Civil Protection and Monitoring Centre (MIC) received a request for assistance from Spain for oil recovery vessels, sea booms and miscellaneous equipment, in the three weeks following the accident of the Prestige. A Community mission of observers was also dispatched to the affected area. France and Portugal produced similar requests for assistance. France in particular asked the MIC for assistance in finding additional surveillance planes within the Union.

2. The Community Civil Protection Co-operation Mechanism established by a Council Decision adopted on 23 October 2001(1), has paved the way for better Civil Protection assistance co-ordination for the Member States' interventions inside or outside the Union. It is not compulsory for Member States to call upon the Community Civil Protection Mechanism. The aim of the MIC, which is part of the Mechanism, is to facilitate co-operation between the Member States. It also acts as a clearinghouse for offers of assistance from Member States. The mechanism is not an Union commanding post; the final decision remains with Member States.

3. The Community Civil Protection Co-operation Mechanism provides for advance identification of national intervention teams and experts that could be available for emergency interventions at short notice. These resources have to be identified by the competent authorities of the Member States. Many Member States have identified resources that include volunteers under a national co-ordination principle.

4. The Member of the Commission in charge of Environment is responsible for Civil Protection at Commission level. The Civil Protection unit is part of Directorate General Environment.

5. In accordance with the Habitats Directive (article 6), Member States are responsible for establishing the appropriate conservation measures and take appropriate steps to avoid the deterioration of habitats and species.

After the Prestige accident, Member States have to take the necessary restoration and recovering measures. Although the Habitats Directive establishes (article 8) the legal basis for financing/co-financing the essential measures to maintain and/or re-establish a favourable conservation status of the Natura 2000 areas, at this stage no specific Natura 2000 fund has been established yet.

Member States, in the framework of the Habitats Committee (article 20), could request technical support to another Member State or to the Commission.

(1) Council Decision of 23 October 2001 establishing a Community mechanism to facilitate reinforced co-operation in civil protection assistance interventions (2001/792/EC, Euratom).