WRITTEN QUESTION P-3270/02 by Daniel Hannan (PPE-DE) to the Commission. Impact of building an airport at Cliffe.
Date: 2002-11-12
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: South East (England), airport, application of EU law, environmental impact, environmental law, environmental protection, humid zone, protected area

3.7.2003

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 155 E/123

In the light of Articles 6 and 7 of the EU Treaty, can the Commission say:

(cid:1) whether, and if so which, media organisations (cid:1) press, radio, television, online (cid:1) have received
funding from the European Union from 1992 until the present; what is the amount involved and why
was the funding provided; did it
take the form of non-repayable grants, advertising measures,
institutional information or something else?

(cid:1) whether and, if so how, the Commission enforces pluralism and impartiality of information on the

part of any bodies that receive Union funding?

(cid:1) whether it monitors or thinks it should monitor the information provided by public information
offices in the Member States in order to determine whether the principles of pluralism and impartiality
are being observed or violated, given that the violation of these principles constitutes a serious breach
of the rule of law as referred to in Article 6 of the EU Treaty and that, under Article 7 of the EU
Treaty, the Commission has the power to determine the existence of such a breach?

Answer given by Mr Prodi on behalf of the Commission

(12 December 2002)

Since 1992 the Commission has made funding available to a great number of media organisations, from
press to television programmes. Given the breadth of the Honourable Member’s question, the Commission
considers that the research required in order to provide a detailed answer (cid:1) which would involve the
majority of the Commission’s services and a large variety of financial
instruments (cid:1) would be time-
consuming and it might not respond to the real purpose of the present written question.

When providing funds to media, the Commission fully respects their editorial freedom. In doing so, the
Commission fully respects Articles 6 and 7 of the Treaty on the European Union.

The Commission contributes to pluralism and impartiality of information by giving equal opportunities to
all media through the normal procedures for calls for tenders and calls for proposals.

(2003/C 155 E/136)

WRITTEN QUESTION P-3270/02

by Daniel Hannan (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(12 November 2002)

Subject: Impact of building an airport at Cliffe

Has the Commission investigated the likely environmental impact of the building of an airport at Cliffe on
the Hoo Peninsula? What conditions will have to be met by the British Government in order to satisfy EU
regulations on building on an EU-designated area of environmental protection? What processes exist to
ensure that the British Government does not act without the sanction of the EU in this matter, and have
these processes been put into play?

Answer given by Mrs Wallström on behalf of the Commission

(11 December 2002)

The Commission is aware that the United Kingdom is considering the construction of a new international
airport at Cliffe as one of its possible options for the future development of air transport in the South East
of England.

C 155 E/124

Official Journal of the European Union

EN

3.7.2003

The Cliffe Marshes form part of the Thames Estuary and Marshes Special Protection Area (SPA), classified
under Council Directive 79/409/EEC of 4 April 1979 on the conservation of wild birds (1). Therefore, any
development of an airport that may adversely affect this site would only be possible if it was in conformity
with the procedural and substantive safeguards laid down in Article 6 (3) and (4) of Council Directive 92/
43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora (2), which
apply to all SPAs.

This would require an environmental assessment of the proposed development, with particular regard to
its potential effects on the nature conservation values of the SPA. If this assessment shows that significant
damage to the SPA would occur then it would only be permissible to proceed in the absence of alternative
solutions and where there is an overriding public interest. In such cases it would be necessary to put in
place compensation measures to offset the loss of habitat that would arise from the development.

It should be stated further that airport developments are covered by Council Directive 97/11/EC of
3 March 1997, amending Directive 85/337/EEC on the assessment of the effects of certain public and
private projects on the environment (3). A mandatory assessment is required for airports with a basic
runway of 2,100 metres or more. All other airports will have to undergo a screening process to ascertain
whether an assessment is required.

As the development of an airport is a matter that falls under national competence there is no prior
authorisation required from the Commission.

(1) OJ L 103, 25.4.1979.
(2) OJ L 206, 22.7.1992.
(3) OJ L 73, 14.3.1997.

(2003/C 155 E/137)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3274/02

by Konstantinos Hatzidakis (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(19 November 2002)

Subject: Vineyard register in Greece

What stage has been reached in drawing up the vineyard register in Greece, what difficulties have been
observed, what sums have been made available for its completion, and is the Commission satisfied with the
progress made so far?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

(12 December 2002)

Regulation (EEC) No 2392/86 (1) set 31 December 2000 as terminal date for establishment of the Greek
vineyard register. This requirement was not complied with.

On the basis of information received from the Greek authorities last month the first stage of establishing
the register, comprising aerial photos, orthophotos and the isleting work, has been completed.

The two main reasons for the delay in setting up the register are late commencement of the work and the
lack of a land register.

To date Community financing has amounted to EUR 710 341 paid to Greece as an advance during 1988
to 1990.

The Commission is unhappy that construction of this instrument, essential to policing of the viticulture/
wine sector, has been seriously delayed.

(1) Council Regulation (EEC) No 2392/86 of 24 July 1986 establishing a Community vineyard register (cid:1) OJ L 208,

31.7.1986.