WRITTEN QUESTION E-1977/99 by Ursula Schleicher (PPE-DE) to the Commission. Regional planning and building projects in the Sintra-Cascais natural park in Portugal.
Date: 1999-11-05
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: Portugal, environmental impact, environmental protection, environmental risk prevention, nature reserve, town and country planning

1.8.2000

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 219 E/57

The Commission considers that the European spatial development perspective and the framework for
action on sustainable URBAN development should inform in the preparation of Interreg and URBAN
programmes respectively. This is clearly stated in paragraph 14 of the draft Interreg guidelines and
paragraph 6 of the draft URBAN guidelines.

In accordance with the principle of subsidiarity, the types of measures and projects to be supported are for
the local partnership to decide. However, in the indicative list of eligible measures set out in Annex 1 of
the draft URBAN guidelines, there is specific mention of the creation of car-free areas and urban renewal
activities.

(1) COM(1999) 479 final and COM(1999) 477 final.

(2000/C 219 E/067)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1977/99

by Ursula Schleicher (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(5 November 1999)

Subject: Regional planning and building projects in the Sintra-Cascais natural park in Portugal

Is the Commission aware that efforts are being made to build on parts of the Sintra-Cascais natural park,
e.g. in the Cabo Raso and Abano areas, which would cause lasting damage to the park? Is the Commission
prepared to bring pressure to bear on the competent bodies in Portugal to uphold Community efforts at
nature conservation and to protect the Natura 2000 network?

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

(6 December 1999)

The Commission has taken note of the case set out by the Honourable Member, and will be registering it.
The Sintra-Cascais natural park does coincide in part with the site of Community importance (SCI) of the
same name which Portugal put forward for inclusion in the Natura 2000 network in accordance with
Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna
and flora (1).

The Commission will therefore make sure that the Portuguese authorities comply with Community law on
nature protection. To that end, a letter will be sent to them drawing their attention to the case in question
and reminding them of their obligations under Community law, in particular those imposed by Article 6
of Directive 92/43/EEC, which stipulates that any project not directly connected with or necessary to the
management of a Natura 2000 site but likely to have a significant effect thereon must be subject to
appropriate assessment of its implications for the site in view of the site(cid:146)s conservation objectives.

(1) OJ L 206, 22.7.1992.

(2000/C 219 E/068)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1978/99

by Ursula Schleicher (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(5 November 1999)

Subject: Draft Commission communication on the application of Articles 92 and 93 of the EC Treaty to

state aid in the form of loan guarantees

The draft communication forwarded to the Member States in January 1999 has created widespread
uncertainty in the credit sector. Publication of this communication has substantially undermined the
sector(cid:146)s confidence in a guarantee instrument with legal certainty. It would result in savings banks and
other banks granting credits being unable to take up such credit guarantees, with the result
that
retroactively they would have to assume (cid:129) without any prior warning (cid:129) the insolvency risk of businesses
in receipt of loans.