WRITTEN QUESTION E-2131/02 by Alexander de Roo (Verts/ALE) to the Commission. Antenna in Akrotiri nature conservation area, Cyprus.
Date: 2002-07-17
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: Cyprus, United Kingdom, application of EU law, environmental impact, non-ionising radiation, parabolic aerial, protection of animal life

9.10.2003

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 242 E/7

Answer given by Mr Verheugen on behalf of the Commission

(23 September 2002)

The Commission has repeatedly emphasised the importance of a high level of nuclear safety in all
candidate countries.

With regard to units 3 and 4 of the Kozloduy Nuclear Power Plant (NPP), in an Understanding reached in
1999, Bulgaria committed to the early final closure of units 3 and 4 before the initially envisaged dates of
2008-2010, respectively.

Within the context of the accession negotiations on chapter 14 (energy) and noting Bulgaria’s commitment
in the Understanding, Member States have invited Bulgaria to set in 2002 a firm date for the final closure
of units 3 and 4 that is to be no later than 2006. This Union position has, with regard to the closure issue,
taken precedence over the 1999 Understanding signed with the Commission. It is now up to Bulgaria to
state its position within the framework of the accession negotiations.

Against this background, the resolution of the Parliament to which the Honourable Members refer is
substantially directed at the Member States who have determined the Union’s position on the closure dates.

With regard to safety improvements, the Commission is informed that, following its recent mission to
Bulgaria, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has been preparing a report on the measures
taken by the Kozloduy NPP. The IAEA was expected to make its conclusions available to Bulgaria at the
end of August 2002. The Commission will therefore only be in a position to comment on this report once
the Bulgarian authorities have released it into the public domain.

The Commission recognises that improvements on the operational safety of units 3 and 4 have been made
and notes the reinforcement of the nuclear safety authority in Bulgaria. These safety improvements were
partially funded with Community assistance from the Phare financial
the
Commission points out that units 3 and 4 of the Kozloduy NPP continue to harbour a number of
deviations from safety requirements due to their original design.

instrument. However,

Given the position of the Union in the framework of the accession negotiations, the Commission sees no
merit in addressing the Western European Nuclear Regulation Association (WENRA), particularly whilst
awaiting the pending IAEA report. Furthermore, the Commission notes that the Peer Review Status Report
of the Council of June 2002 (1) recently reaffirmed the importance of Bulgaria’s commitment on the
definitive closure of units 1 to 4 of the Kozloduy NPP at the earliest possible dates and recalled the Union’s
understanding that the closure of units 3 and 4 will take place in 2006 at the latest.

(1) http://europa.eu.int/comm/enlargement/negotiations/chapters/chap14/index.htm.

(2003/C 242 E/012)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2131/02

by Alexander de Roo (Verts/ALE) to the Commission

Subject: Antenna in Akrotiri nature conservation area, Cyprus

(17 July 2002)

On 1 July 2002, the British military authorities in Cyprus began to instal a new antenna in one of the
ecologically most important parts of the island, the area around the Akrotiri salt lake south-west of
Limassol. The new installation forms part of a network of antennas managed by the British Army.

This curtain array antenna will be 196 metres wide and will rear up 100 metres from the ground in the
landscape of an area renowned for its unique birdlife and bird migration routes. The antenna will have a
power rating of 500 kW and will operate continuously on a frequency of 3-30 mHz.

C 242 E/8

Official Journal of the European Union

EN

9.10.2003

The area itself is in danger of being divided into two, which would appear to contravene the Ramsar
Convention. Moreover, such European directives as the Habitats Directive and Wild Birds Directive are not
being complied with. The area in question has been nominated for inclusion in the Natura 2000 Network.

Virtually nothing is known about the possible adverse impact of the continuous electromagnetic radiation
on people or birds.

Is the Commission aware of the building of this installation, which is de facto taking place on British
territory?

Is the Commission aware that no environmental impact assessment has been carried out and that neither
the public nor NGOs have had the opportunity to state their views?

What view does the Commission take of the fact that British authorities are taking action in the territory
of Cyprus which will have a drastic impact on a quite unique natural area,
in disregard of European
directives?

What action will the Commission take?

Answer given by Mr Verheugen on behalf of the Commission

(13 August 2002)

The Commission is aware of reports concerning the construction of a new antenna in the Sovereign Base
Area (SBA) of Akrotiri.

It should be recalled that according to Article 299(6)(b) of the EC Treaty, this Treaty does not apply to the
United Kingdom’s SBAs in Cyprus. Therefore, Community law does not apply in these territories.

As regards any possible impact of the antenna on the people or territory of the Republic of Cyprus, this
would be primarily a bilateral issue to be dealt with between the Cypriot and SBA authorities.

The Commission does not have competence to take action in this matter.

(2003/C 242 E/013)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2162/02

by Daniel Hannan (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(18 July 2002)

Subject: EU Special Representative in Bosnia

Can the Commission say how much Lord Ashdown is paid in his capacity as EU Special Representative in
Bosnia? What financing is provided by the EU for his office?

With reference to the sacking and barring from future public office by Lord Ashdown of
the
democratically-elected Deputy Prime Minister of the Muslim-Croat Federation, Nikola Grabovac, can it
say whether democratic standards will really be fostered in the new country when an unelected foreigner
‘This is
wields such arbitrary power in this manner? To quote the office of the Special Representative:
about political responsibility. If Bosnia is to become part of Europe, then it needs to adopt these sorts of
European standards’. Is Lord Ashdown teaching Bosnians a ‘European standard’ of public behaviour? If so,
why has the Commission never publicly condemned any of the instances of massive fraud revealed in
political parties in the EU? If not, will the Commission be reprimanding Lord Ashdown for his dictatorial
behaviour, which is unacceptable from a representative of democratic European countries?