WRITTEN QUESTION P-2750/99 by Dorette Corbey (PSE) to the Commission. Turtles, nature conservation and accession: Cyprus.
Date: 2000-01-07
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: Cyprus, EU financing, accession to the European Union, environmental protection, protected species, reptile

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improving the capacity for luggage and passport control etc.). Contrary to the view held by the honourable
Member, the Italian authorities have indeed sent the information which the Commission had asked to
receive on carrying out work and improvements. The Commission is currently checking this information.

(1) Commission Decision of 16 September 1998 on a procedure relating to the application of Council Regulation (EEC)
No 2408/92 (Case VII/AMA/11/98 (cid:129) Italian traffic distribution rules for the airport system of Milan). OJ L 337,
12.12.1998.

(2001/C 26 E/009)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2735/99

by Carlo Fatuzzo (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(18 January 2000)

Subject: Free entry to museums for Community citizens between the ages of 55 and 65

Cultural tourism among the 55- to 65-year old age group in Europe is a source of cultural enrichment, a
healthy way of using free time and a source of many new jobs.

Does the Commission intend to issue a directive to boost this type of tourism and to make it more
accessible?

In addition, can the Commission ask the Italian minister Mr Melandri to amend the regulation published in
the Italian Official Journal No 253, 27.10.1999, which restricts free entry to monuments, museums,
archaeological sites, and parks etc. to those over the age of 65, so that it includes Community citizens
between the ages of 55 and 65?

Answer given by Mr Liikanen on behalf of the Commission

(13 March 2000)

The Commission is aware of the importance of cultural tourism as a source of potential job creation.
However, there is no intention to issue a directive on this matter.

The question of the age group benefiting from free entry to cultural attractions in Italy is a matter for the
Member State itself, following the principle of subsidiarity.

(2001/C 26 E/010)

WRITTEN QUESTION P-2750/99

by Dorette Corbey (PSE) to the Commission

(7 January 2000)

Subject: Turtles, nature conservation and accession: Cyprus

Is the Commission aware of the debate in Cyprus about the protection of the Akamas Peninsula,
1.
which is an important nesting area for sea turtles? These turtle species include vulnerable and endangered
species, according to the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN)
list. Has the
Commission been informed about measures to protect Akamas which were approved by the Cypriot
Parliament in 1998, but have not yet been accepted by the Cabinet of Ministers? Is the Commission also
aware of the fact that hotel development in the area has meanwhile continued?

2.
In view of the upcoming accession of Cyprus, has the Commission entered into discussions regarding
the suitability of the Akamas Peninsula, and particularly that the Asprokremmos, Lara and Toxeftra
beaches be included in the Natura 2000 network of protected sites, established under the Habitats and
Birds Directives (resp. 92/43 (1) of 21 May 1992 and 79/409 (2) of 2 April 1979)?

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3. Will the Commission advise the Cypriot authorities to designate these areas, should the Cypriot
authorities omit to propose their inclusion in the Natura 2000 network?

Has Cyprus received funds from other Community programmes? If so, under what

4.
funding
programmes have these funds been provided, and what steps have been taken to integrate environmental
aspects into the activities funded, as required by the Treaty?

Can the Commission guarantee that no Community funds are being allocated to projects that may

5.
result in further damage to the situation in the above mentioned areas?

6. What instruments will the Commission use in order to protect the loggerhead turtle (caretta caretta)
and the green turtle (Chelinia mydas) in the above mentioned areas?

(1) OJ L 206, 22.7.1992, p. 7.
(2) OJ L 103, 25.4.1979, p. 1.

Answer given by Mr Verheugen on behal of the Commission

(27 January 2000)

The Commission has followed with interest the issue of the Akamas Peninsula in Cyprus as an
1.
important nesting ground for two rare species of sea turtle. The Cypriot authorities have informed the
Commission that
there is legislation in Cyprus affording environmental protection to the Akamas
Peninsula, and that there has not been recent hotel development in the protected area. The Commission
is not aware of new measures awaiting approval by the Cabinet of Ministers.

As part of

2. and 3.
the preparations for accession, and as recalled in the negotiations on the
environment chapter, the Commission is awaiting the proposed list of sites to be designated as special
areas of conservation (SAC) for inclusion in the Natura 2000 network as foreseen by Directive 92/43/EEC
of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora (Habitats Directive).
An ongoing project under the LIFE programme is assisting the Cypriot authorities in this task. The
Commission, fully aware of the sensitivity of the Akamas Peninsula, will examine these proposals in
accordance with the relevant criteria of the Directive.

4. and 5.
In the early 1990s the Commission funded a turtle conservation project under the Medspa
programme. There have been a number of other Community-supported projects in Cyprus with an
environmental content, e.g. in the areas of controlling industrial pollution, and sewerage. The Commission
does not finance projects that to the best of its knowledge run contrary to the environmental acquis. The
candidate countries have also been reminded of the Council conclusions of 24 September 1998 on
accession strategies for the environment, in which it was stated that all new investment should comply
with the environmental acquis.

Once Cyprus becomes a Member State, the relevant legal instrument will be the Habitats Directive, as
6.
both species of turtle appear in its annexes. In the meantime the Commission will monitor Cyprus(cid:146)
commitment to the progressive introduction and implementation of the acquis, and the strengthening of
the relevant administrative structures. This will be achieved through the various instruments of the pre-
accession strategy.

(2001/C 26 E/011)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2756/99

by Concepci(cid:243) Ferrer (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(18 January 2000)

Subject: Regulation of the poultry sector

The problems which have affected the poultry sector in some regions of the Union over the past year have
brought about a change in the public(cid:146)s pattern of consumption, and the resulting surplus supply has