WRITTEN QUESTION No. 368/99 by Antonio TAJANI Protection of the Tuscan archipelago park and the island of Elba
Date: 1999-03-01
Institutions: European Parliament, TAJANI
Subjects: Tuscany, bird, countryside conservation, environmental impact, environmental protection, mining operation, protection of animal life, protection of plant life

3.12.1999

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 348/55

Anwer given by Mr Marín on behalf of the Commission

(16 March 1999)

The Commission continues to follow closely the repressive measures imposed upon the Burmese people by the
military regime.

The Commission fully supports the continued and consistent application of the Union Common Position with
regard to Burma. Recent events in Burma give no reason for any change in the Union position and its measures
against Burma are therefore maintained.

(1999/C 348/067)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0368/99

by Antonio Tajani (PPE) to the Commission

(1 March 1999)

Subject: Protection of the Tuscan archipelago park and the island of Elba

The Tuscan archipelago park and the commune of Marciano have delivered a negative opinion on exploitation
of the EURIT-Eurelba mine because of the scenic and natural beauty of the area concerned.

Florence district (a State body) has however asked that the mine be exploited for another five years. Does the
Commission not think that this initiative, which will cause serious damage to the area, conflicts with European
environmental regulations which protect the island of Elba?

Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission

(16 April 1999)

It appears, based on the information given by the Honourable Member, that the situation to which he refers is
outside the scope of Directive 85/337/EEC on the assessment of the effects of certain public and private
projects on the environment (1). The request by the Florence district for the prolongation of the exploitation of
the already existing mine does not appear to be a project covered by the Directive.

In contrast, Directive 92/43/EEC on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora (2) could
be concerned in so far as the situation described can be considered covered by the provision set out in Article
6, paragraph 2, which states ‘Member States shall take appropriate steps to avoid, in the special areas of
conservation, the deterioration of natural habitats and the habitats of species as well as disturbance of the
species for which the areas have been designated, in so far as such disturbance could be significant in relation
to the objectives of this Directive’.

This provision of Directive 92/43/EEC is currently applicable to special protection areas (SPA) identified under
Directive 79/409/EEC on the conservation of wild birds (3). The area mentioned by the Honourable Member is
not an SPA under Directive 79/409/EEC. However it is mentioned as an important bird area (IBA) in the list of
the important bird areas in Europe compiled by the International council for bird preservation. In principle, it
should have been classified as an SPA under Directive 79/409/EEC.

In the light of the above, a letter requesting information has been sent to the Italian authorities. The
Commission will take the appropriate steps in order to ensure the observance of Community law.

(1) OJ L 175, 5.7.1985.
(2) OJ L 206, 22.7.1992.
(3) OJ L 103, 25.4.1979.