WRITTEN QUESTION E-3129/01 by Monica Frassoni (Verts/ALE) to the Commission. Use of the golf courses in Is Arenas (Sardinia, Italy).
Date: 2001-11-14
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: Sardinia, application of EU law, protected area, protection of animal life, protection of plant life, sporting event, sports facilities

20.6.2002

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 147 E/107

The study will cover the possibilities and questions posed by the Cotonou Agreement and the ‘Everything
but Arms’ initiative for the outermost regions. It will include a socioeconomic analysis of the impact of
these instruments, taking account of the specificity of the outermost regions in the Community and in
their broader geographical areas. In view of the nature of the outermost regions, the consequences in
terms of economic and commercial activity will be examined.

It will, of course, be an independent study and its outcome should not be prejudged. However, the
Commission undertakes to keep Parliament fully informed, not only of the state of progress of the study
but also the follow-up that it is given.

(2002/C 147 E/112)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3129/01

by Monica Frassoni (Verts/ALE) to the Commission

Subject: Use of the golf courses in Is Arenas (Sardinia, Italy)

(14 November 2001)

The ‘Primo torneo Golf Cup Guidicato di Arborea’ was held on 5-7 October 2001 in Is Arenas, close to
the Is Arenas Site of Community Interest (SCI code ITB 002228, Narbolia-San Vero Milis, Sardinia).

The event took place on the golf course itself, for which reason the Commission is considering opening an
infringement procedure for contravention of Directive 92/43 (1).

On page 20 of the 4 October 2001 edition of the La Nuova Sardegna newspaper, it was reported that the
event was attended by the Regional Councillor, Pasquale Onida, the chairman of the provincial tourist
board, the Archbishop of Oristano, Mgr Piergiuliano Tiddia, and 10 000 spectators. The sponsors for the
event included the Sardinian regional government, the Oristano provincial tourist board, the Oristano local
authorities and the Italian National Olympic Committee.

The vulnerable habitats to be found on the site are therefore once again suffering environmental damage.

Is the Commission aware of the above facts?

Can it confirm that no Community funds were spent on financing the golf tournament in question?

Will it take the above facts into account when considering the action to be taken on the reasoned opinion
of 9 February 2001, in view of the fact that nothing has been done to repair the damage done to the site
through the construction of the golf courses, the use of which is, on the contrary, being promoted?

(1) OJ L 206, 22.7.1992, p. 7.

Answer given by Mrs Wallström on behalf of the Commission

(11 January 2002)

The Commission was not aware of the facts described by the Honourable Member.

they will be taken into consideration in the assessment of

Where relevant,
the infringement case
concerning the damage done by a golf course development to priority habitats proposed by Italy for
protection under the Habitats Directive (Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the conservation
of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora) at Is Arenas in Sardinia.