WRITTEN QUESTION E-1697/99 by Alexandros Alavanos (GUE/NGL) to the Commission. Violation of Directive 91/271/EEC concerning the designation of vulnerable areas in the Gulf of Elefsina..
Date: 1999-09-29
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: Cohesion Fund, Community support framework, EC Directive, Greece, decontamination, environmental protection, infringement procedure (EU), operational programme, sensitive area, wastewater, water treatment

8.8.2000

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 225 E/7

Answer given by Mrs Wallstr(cid:246)m on behalf of the Commission

(28 October 1999)

The Commission would like to point out to the Honourable Member that Council Regulation (EC) No 338/
97 of 9 December 1996 on the protection of species of wild fauna and flora by regulating trade therein (1)
contains all the necessary provisions for trade and transport of wild animals and plant species.
In
particular, all imported and exported specimens of species covered by the Regulation must be transported
in accordance with international norms established by the International air transport association (IATA) or
Convention on trade in endangered species of wild fauna and flora (CITES). Mortality in transport is closely
monitored in the Community and import restrictions can be put in place where necessary.

The authorities of individual Member States have the responsibility for ensuring that these requirements
are complied with. However, according to the provisions of Council Regulation (EC) No 338/97 an
enforcement group has been established, consisting of responsible authorities of each Member State, to
combat illegal trade.

The Commission considers that the conservation of many species is sometimes better served by permitting
a well-monitored and controlled trade rather than instituting an import ban.

(1) OJ L 61, 3.3.1997.

(2000/C 225 E/008)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1697/99

by Alexandros Alavanos (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

(29 September 1999)

Subject: Violation of Directive 91/271/EEC concerning the designation of vulnerable areas in the Gulf of

Elefsina.

The Committee on Petitions has examined Petition 413/92 submitted by the inhabitants of the region of
Elefsina. A group of Euro-MPs visited the region in October 1995 and examined the state of the
environment and the alleged violations of Community legislation which local inhabitants had protested
about, but they failed to receive any undertakings from the Greek government that it would address the
problems.

The Commission initiated proceedings against Greece for failing to implement Directive 91/271/EEC (1) on
vulnerable regions: the result of the Greek Government(cid:146)s failure to act is that the Gulf of Elefsina is not
being protected, and no measures are being taken to restore the environment.

Will the Commission say which programmes can be used to fund substantive measures to rid the Gulf of
environmental pollution and to improve the quality of the water and the coastline?

(1) OJ L 135, 30.5.1991, p. 40.

Answer given by Mr Barnier on behalf of the Commission

(15 November 1999)

When Petition 413/92 was examined the Commission informed the members of Parliament(cid:146)s Commission
on Petitions (on 22 April 1999) of the action taken in the Elefsina region by the Greek authorities in
implementation of Council Directive 82/501/EEC of 24 June 1982 on the major accident hazards of
certain industrial activities (1) (amended by Council Directive 96/82/EC of 9 December 1996 on the control
of major accident hazards involving dangerous substances (2)). They found the information given satis-
factory and decided to terminate action on the petition.

C 225 E/8

Official Journal of the European Communities

EN

8.8.2000

On Council Directive 91/271/EEC of 21 May 1991 concerning urban waste water treatment (3) the
Commission reminds the Honourable Member that in view of Greece(cid:146)s failure to identify sensitive areas
(as required by Article 5 of the Directive) it decided in July 1999 to bring the matter before the Court of
Justice under Article 226 (formerly 169) of the EC Treaty.

The Commission has always supported the provision of domestic and industrial waste water treatment in
Greece and protection of coastlines.

Depending on their nature projects at present are part-financed either from the Cohesion Fund or through
operational programmes (OP) under the 19941999 Community support framework for Greece. These
include the Environment OP and the OPs for the 13 Greek regions. Support has also been given through
other Community instruments such as LIFE.

The Commission is now examining Greece(cid:146)s proposal for the Community support framework for the
2000-2006 programming period. This will certainly include part-financing of projects to clean up surface
waters. It is also virtually certain that Cohesion Fund support will continue for projects of this type.

Treatment facilities for domestic and industrial waste water discharged into the Gulf of Elefsina can
therefore be part-financed during the next programming period if the Greek authorities make appropriate
proposals.

(1) OJ L 230, 5.8.1982.
(2) OJ L 10, 14.1.1997.
(3) OJ L 135, 30.5.1991.

(2000/C 225 E/009)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1702/99

by Raffaele Costa (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(29 September 1999)

Subject: Draft budget 2000 (cid:129) expenditure relating to persons working with the Commission

In 1998, the budget heading (cid:145)expenditure relating to persons working with the institution(cid:146)
Commission) was ECU 1 641 555 000 (ITL 3 100 billion).

(i.e. the

Why is this expenditure set to increase from ITL 3 100 billion to ITL 3 500 billion in 2000 (cid:129) a rise of
over EUR 202 million (approximately ITL 400 billion)?

In the light of the austerity heralded by Mr Prodi, whereby the Commission was supposed to keep
expenditure within 1998 levels, can the Commission explain the reasons for this increase?

(2000/C 225 E/010)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1703/99

by Raffaele Costa (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(29 September 1999)

Subject: Draft budget 2000 (cid:129) expenditure resulting from special functions carried out by the Commission

In 1998 ECU 246 138 470 (ITL 477 billion) were spent on (cid:145)special functions carried out by the institution(cid:146)
(i.e. the Commission).

Can the Commission say why this expenditure is set
EUR 277 million (i.e.
EUR 31 400 000 (approximately ITL 60 billion)?

from ITL 477 billion to over 530 billion)

to increase from EUR 246 million to over
rise of

in 2000 (cid:129) a