WRITTEN QUESTION No. 612/98 by Fernando MONIZ to the Commission. The Sela dam - an ecological crime
Date: 1998-03-09
Institutions: European Parliament, MONIZ
Subjects: Northern Portugal, application of EU law, climate change, engineering structure, environmental impact, environmental protection, impact study, lake, protection of animal life, protection of plant life

C 310/102

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

9. 10. 98

(98/C 310/136)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0612/98

by Fernando Moniz (PSE) to the Commission

(9 March 1998)

Subject: The Sela dam › an ecological crime

Environmental protection is one of the EU(cid:146)s major concerns. A number of measures and decisions are being
taken with a view to launching a campaign to increase awareness, together with new rules and regulations to be
introduced in the Member States.

During Parliament(cid:146)s part-session in Strasbourg in February 1998 the Council, the Commission and the European
Parliament devoted attention to this issue, in particular in connection with (cid:145)climate change(cid:146).

An agreement signed in 1968 laid down conditions for the (cid:145)hydroelectric exploitation(cid:146) of Sela on the river Minho
in the north of Portugal, near Mon(cid:231)a(cid:152)o and Melga(cid:231)o, to be promoted by the Portuguese corporation EDP and the
Spanish Union Fenosa.

The creation of a lake 22 km long would undoubtedly submerge hundreds of fishing grounds and destroy the
natural habitats of various fish species (shad, lamprey and salmon).

The existence of a reservoir would undoubtedly cause a change in the climate, with an increase in humidity and
solar  radiation,  which  would  alter  the  microclimate  essential  for  the  production  of  a  traditional  quality  wine
((cid:145)vinho  alvarinho(cid:146))  which  is  the  only  really  profitable  and  competitive  (cid:145)niche(cid:146)  product  of  two  of  the  most
authentic and traditional, but at the same time poorest, towns in Portugal.

The local authorities, the bodies representing the region and the population in general feel strongly about the
hydroelectric project and are clearly showing their opposition and trying to ensure that economic considerations
and  influences  do  not  prevail  over  the  protection  of  wildlife  and  a  socio-economic  structure  with  traditions
closely tied up with rural life, which it is essential to preserve.

In view of the fact that this project may be carried out contrary to the principles upheld by the EU, does the
Commission intend, once it has all the relevant information at its disposal, to use its influence to safeguard the
legitimate interests which are at stake?

If so, what actual measures will be taken?

Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission

(21 April 1998)

The project in question has not been the subject of a request for Community co-financing.

According  to  the  information  available  to  the  Commission,  a  public  inquiry  is  currently  under-way,  in
accordance with the requirements of the environmental impact assessment procedure under Council Directive
85/337/EEC  of  27  June  1985  on  the  assessment  of  the  effects  of  certain  public  and  private  projects  on  the
environment (1).

The Commission will take care to ensure that the national authorities conform with Community law, in particular
with regard to nature conservation.

(1)  OJ L 175, 5.7.1985.

(98/C 310/137)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0613/98

by Tommy Waidelich (PSE) to the Commission

(9 March 1998)

Subject: Budget items for EU aid to organizations operating in the field of drugs policy

Eu aid has reportedly been paid in both 1996 and 1997 to organizations such as European Cities on Drugs Policy
(ECDP)  whose  aims  include  the  legalization  of  narcotics,  the  establishment  of  (cid:145)coffee  shops(cid:146)  and  the  legal
prescription of heroin.

Can the Commission say under which budget items such aid is paid out?