WRITTEN QUESTION E-1225/01 by Patricia McKenna (Verts/ALE) to the Commission. Enlargement of Ferrol harbour (outer harbour).
Date: 2001-04-26
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: Spain, Structural Funds, complaint to the Commission, harbour installation, infringement of EU law, protected area

4.12.2001

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 340 E/199

The Commission, in principle, is not involved in the selection and implementation of individual projects.
However, according to the information received from the Member State, no European Regional
Development funding is envisaged for this project.

(2001/C 340 E/228)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1225/01

by Patricia McKenna (Verts/ALE) to the Commission

Subject: Enlargement of Ferrol harbour (outer harbour)

(26 April 2001)

Is the Commission aware of the fact that Ferrol(cid:146)s planned outer harbour is to be constructed in an
area protected under the Natura 2000 Network?

Is it aware of the complaints made by official bodies, fishermen(cid:146)s associations and NGOs against the plans
for Ferrol(cid:146)s outer harbour which indicate the seriousness of the physical, environmental, social and
employment-related impact of the project and make the point that such a project is not really necessary?

Does it not think that the project should be scrapped and that the EU funding which has been allocated to
it should be withdrawn?

Does it intend to protect the Natura 2000 area without giving way over any of the criteria which it itself
established or over the boundaries of the area, since that would set an extremely serious precedent which
would render Natura 2000 meaningless and seriously jeopardise the integrity of the Natura 2000 network
in Galicia and throughout Spain?

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

(26 June 2001)

The Commission became aware of the situation the Honourable Member is referring to through two
complaints.

It has verified that the area where the project is planned has been proposed by Spain as a site (ES
1110002 (cid:145)Costa Artaba(cid:146)) for inclusion in the Natura 2000 network under Council Directive 92/43/EEC of
21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora (1). The area contains 28
different habitat types listed in Annex I to the Directive,
including seven priority types. It was also
identified as a site of Community importance for birds (SCI No 5) in the SEO/BirdLife 1998 IBA inventory.
The site is also important as a place of hibernation for certain migratory species of seabirds and waders.

As part of
authorities to ask for their comments on the reported situation and for details of the project.

its examination of the two complaints, the Commission recently contacted the Spanish

At present, the only information the Commission has is that supplied by the complainants. However,
should the Honourable Member be able to send it any further information on the reported project, the
Commission would certainly examine it closely.

The Commission is unable to say at this point whether or not Community law has been infringed, as it has
yet to receive a reply from the Spanish authorities (including the environmental impact assessment). Once
it has that information,
it will examine it to check that the relevant Community legislation is being
observed in this particular instance.

The Commission is not involved in the selection of each individual project co-financed through the
Structural Funds, and has asked the Spanish authorities for additional information in this area.

(1) OJ L 206, 22.7.1992.