WRITTEN QUESTION E-0536/02 by Stavros Xarchakos (PPE-DE) to the Commission. Destruction of the environment by gold mining.
Date: 2002-02-28
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: Eastern Macedonia and Thrace, application of EU law, environmental impact, environmental protection, mining operation

29.8.2002

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 205 E/161

The Commission recently proposed a regulation which would put an end to aid for European tobacco
growers. Such a measure would lead to the disappearance of tobacco growing in Europe, greatly to the
benefit of non-European producers, but would not have the slightest effect on cigarette consumption, as
no European Union country plans to prohibit smoking.

Does the Commission agree that it would be appropriate to maintain the centuries-old practice of tobacco
growing, both on social grounds and in order to maintain a balanced agricultural sector?

Does the Commission still regard as valid the principle of Community preference, the basis on which the
Common Agricultural Policy was established and developed?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

(18 March 2002)

On 21 November 2001 (1) the Commission adopted a proposal for a Council Regulation fixing the
premiums and guarantee thresholds for leaf tobacco by variety group and Member State for the 2002,
2003 and 2004 harvests and amending Regulation (EEC) No 2075/92 of 30 June 1992 on the common
organisation of the market in raw tobacco (2).

The proposal is consistent with Commission policy on the future of production aids for tobacco as set out
in the Communication on a European Union Strategy for Sustainable Development, especially as regards
the need to dismantle tobacco aids gradually while putting in place measures to find alternative sources of
income and economic activity for tobacco growers and those working in the industry.

This Commission decision is justified by concern for an agriculture policy that
is consistent with
Article 152 of the EC Treaty which states that ‘A high level of human health shall be ensured in the
definition and implementation of all Community policies and activities’.

The Commission is nevertheless aware of the difficulties which converting raw tobacco production could
present, particularly in certain production regions. That is why the proposal amends a number of common
market organisation mechanisms, in particular the Tobacco Fund, which has been recast to permit the
financing, inter alia, of feasibility studies on retraining raw tobacco producers for other crops or economic
activity and of initial specific conversion measures in production regions.

In addition,
further proposals on the sector will be preceded by a study evaluating the common
organisation of the tobacco market. The Commission will proceed in a resolute but gradual manner so as
to safeguard the economic and social vitality of the production regions.

(1) COM(2001) 684 final.
(2) OJ L 215, 30.7.1992.

(2002/C 205 E/173)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0536/02

by Stavros Xarchakos (PPE-DE) to the Commission

Subject: Destruction of the environment by gold mining

(28 February 2002)

According to the ‘Initiative Committees’ which have been set up in provincial capitals in Thrace, a number
of companies are planning to mine gold at Sapes in Rodopi and at Perama in Evros. The Initiative
Committees claim that mining will damage the environment in that it brings sulphur to the surface which
on contact with water forms vitriol and contaminates the ground water. Furthermore, the dust created by
the rock-breakers used in extracting the gold is carried by the air and pollutes agricultural produce. The
entire operation is obviously a health hazard for the population of Thrace but also creates problems for
farmers and fishermen in the region since the ecosystem from which they make a living will be under
severe stress.

C 205 E/162

Official Journal of the European Communities

EN

29.8.2002

Is the Commission aware of these plans? How can it intervene to put an end to such projects which
threaten such sensitive regions as Thrace, which is a remote area of the Community and, unfortunately,
not one of the richest?

Answer given by Ms Wallström on behalf of the Commission

(12 April 2002)

The Commission is aware of the plans to prospect for and extract gold in Sapes and Perama, as it has
already received complaints on the subject. It has contacted the Greek authorities several times to request
information, notably on the situation with regard to the environmental impact study approval procedure.

Regarding the Sapes project, the information received from the Greek authorities shows that a preliminary
decision on location was adopted on 10 February 2000, but no environmental impact study has been
submitted to the Ministry of the Environment. The Greek authorities have confirmed that the provisions of
national and Community law will be observed during the authorisation procedure.

Regarding the Perama project, a preliminary decision on location was adopted on 24 March 2000 and an
environmental impact study submitted to the Ministry of the Environment. The information received from
the Greek authorities indicates that, owing to the complexity of the project, a scientific committee has
been set up to assess its effects and decide whether additional studies should be carried out. The Greek
authorities have undertaken to inform the Commission when the procedures for assessing the impact study
and approving the environmental conditions for the project concerned have been completed.

The Commission will continue to keep a close eye on both projects and, if necessary, will take appropriate
measures to ensure that Community environmental legislation is observed.

(2002/C 205 E/174)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0542/02

by Gilles Savary (PSE) to the Commission

(28 February 2002)

Subject: Combined transport and maximum weight of authorised vehicles

Council Directive 96/53/EC (1) laying down for certain road vehicles circulating within the Community the
maximum autorised dimensions in national and international traffic and the maximum authorised weights
in international traffic only authorises a derogation of 40-44 tonnes for combined transport vehicles with
a 40-foot ISO container.

Is the Commission aware that certain Member States interpret this measure restrictively, reserving it, for
example, for combined road-rail and road-waterway transport only, thereby excluding combined road-sea
transport? How does the Commission envisage remedying this situation?

The Community has made the development of combined transport one of its political priorities, as recently
restated in the White Paper on European transport policy for 2010.

Does the Commission therefore intend to amend Directive 96/53 to extend the 44-tonne derogation
currently authorised for the combined transport of ISO 40-foot containers to the whole of combined
transport? If not, what measures does it envisage proposing to overcome this obstacle, which is
jeopardising the development of combined transport, in particular that involving sea transport?

(1) OJ L 235, 17.9.1996, p. 59.