WRITTEN QUESTION E-1518/02 by Jonas Sjöstedt (GUE/NGL) to the Commission. Bird protection area in the Umeälv delta.
Date: 2002-05-29
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: Sweden, environmental impact, impact study, protected area, protection of animal life, rail network

6.3.2003

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 52 E/75

For its part, in its declaration of 11 July 2002, the European Union supported President Ravalomanana and
stated its willingness to support preparations for the Parliamentary elections he announced and the
reconciliation process. It will also contribute substantially towards Madagascar’s reconstruction.

On 26 July 2002 the World Bank and the UNDP invited donors to meet in Paris with a view to promoting
Madagascar’s reconstruction. The European Commission took part in that meeting.

(2003/C 52 E/084)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1518/02

by Jonas Sjöstedt (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

Subject: Bird protection area in the Umeälv delta

(29 May 2002)

A bird protection area in the Umeälv delta in northern Sweden is to be incorporated into the EU’s Natura
2000 network. There are differing views as to how big the protected area should be. At the same time,
there are plans to construct a new railway line (cid:1) ‘Botniabanan’ (cid:1) in the immediate vicinity of the new
area. The Commission is reportedly examining whether the proposed rail route is compatible with the
protected area.

Does the Commission consider that the proposed rail route is acceptable and falls outside the area which
should be protected? If the Commission has not yet taken a decision on this matter, can it give a date by
which a decision may be expected?

Answer given by Mrs Wallström on behalf of the Commission

(12 July 2002)

The Commission has received a request from the Swedish Government for an opinion pursuant of
Article 6.4 of the Habitats Directive (1) as to the presence of overriding reasons of public interest justifying
the construction of Botniabanan (Bothnia Railway) adjacent to Umeälvens Delta special protection area/site
of Community interest (SPA/SCI). During the subsequent discussions and meetings with the Swedish
Government the Commission has pointed out that there are several complaints about an insufficient
designation of Umeälvens Delta SPA/SCI and that, before giving an opinion, the Commission would need
the Swedish Government to explain the scientific basis for the boundaries of the area it has designated.
The Commission has also requested that the Swedish Government provides the comprehensive dossier
required to make its judgement of the case (cid:1) this includes detailed statements of environmental impact on
the site concerned, treatment of alternatives and the reasons on which the case of overriding public
interest is made. According to the information the Commission has received, the material is currently
under preparation. The opinion can be given only after the Commission has received the material and
assessed it.

(1) Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora,

OJ L 206, 22.7.1992.

(2003/C 52 E/085)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1525/02

by Salvador Garriga Polledo (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(3 June 2002)

Subject: European Union information campaign on introducing the euro in the UK, Sweden and Denmark

The great majority of citizens in the three EU countries which do not belong to the euro zone (United
Kingdom, Denmark and Sweden) are convinced that the single currency will eventually be adopted in their
respective countries.