WRITTEN QUESTION P-1648/02 by Christopher Huhne (ELDR) to the Commission. Via Baltica.
Date: 2002-06-04
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: EU environmental policy, EU financing, Poland, accession to the European Union, common transport policy, environmental impact, environmental law, environmental protection, motorway, national park

C 301 E/200

Official Journal of the European Communities

EN

5.12.2002

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

(28 June 2002)

The Commission wishes to assure the Honourable Member that it is fully aware of the precarious situation
of the sectors affected by the foot-and-mouth crisis in 2001.

Presently, the Commission is examining a national aid scheme related to the problems caused by the foot-
and-mouth disease (Stichting Fonds MKZ). Within the context of this notification the Dutch authorities
have indicated that provincial authorities may contribute to this national fund.

Thus far the Commission has received one notification of a provincial aid scheme related to the same
problems (Schadevergoedingsregeling MKZ (cid:1) Friesland). It has received no information on other funds set
up by provincial authorities in the Netherlands in response to the above-mentioned crisis.

The Commission will contact the Dutch authorities in order to collect all necessary information to check
the possible existence of other provincial arrangements, referred to by the Honourable Member, and to
study their compatibility with the common market within the framework of articles 87 and 88 of the EC
Treaty.

Finally, the Commission wishes to draw the attention of the Honourable Member to the provisions of
Article 4(5) of Regulation (EC) No 659/1999 (1) and to assure that it will take a decision as soon as it has at
its disposal all the necessary information enabling it to examine the compatibility of the measure with the
common market.

(1) Council Regulation (EC) No 659/1999 of 22 March 1999 laying down detailed rules for the application of

Article 93 [now Article 88] of the EC Treaty, OJ L 83, 27.3.1999.

(2002/C 301 E/211)

WRITTEN QUESTION P-1648/02

by Christopher Huhne (ELDR) to the Commission

(4 June 2002)

Subject: Via Baltica

Can the Commission confirm reports that the Via Baltica motorway project, funded under the EU’s TINA
programme for transport networks in the accession states, will be constructed on a planned route running
directly across the Biebrza National Park in Poland?

How does the Commission reconcile the planned route across a crucial wetland area of international
significance with Community policies on sustainable development and protection of habitats, and in
particular, the designation of important sites by the accession states under Natura 2000?

Will the Commission consider renegotiating a new route for the Polish stage of the Via Baltica with the
Polish Government in order to minimise the environmental impact of the project on the Biebrza National
Park?

(2002/C 301 E/212)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1694/02

by Erik Meijer (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

(12 June 2002)

Subject: Decision to route the proposed ‘Via Baltica’ motorway in north-east Poland through the Biebrza

wetlands and the resulting serious damage to the environment

1.
Can the Commission confirm that, as part of the TINA process designed to open up road transport
in the applicant countries, a four-lane motorway ‘Via Baltica’ is being planned, in which connection EU