WRITTEN QUESTION E-3274/02 by Konstantinos Hatzidakis (PPE-DE) to the Commission. Vineyard register in Greece.
Date: 2002-11-19
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: Greece, agricultural statistics, area of holding, land register, viticulture

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.