WRITTEN QUESTION E-3495/02 by Camilo Nogueira Román (Verts/ALE) to the Commission. Construction of a golf course in O Grove (Galicia) in a Natara Network area.
Date: 2002-12-10
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: EU financing, Galicia, degradation of the environment, environmental impact, environmental protection, project evaluation, protected area, sports facilities

C 268 E/38

Official Journal of the European Union

EN

7.11.2003

Answer given by Mr Prodi on behalf of the Commission

(31 January 2003)

is in the process of conducting an investigation and all
As the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF)
information obtained in that context is confidential, as stipulated by Regulation (EC) No 1073/1999 (1), the
Commission is unable to provide more details of this matter at present.

In particular, as regards the decision to move two officials working in the Commission’s Paris
Representation within the same Directorate-General, it should be recalled that this was a precautionary
measure, the aim being to ensure that the investigation was held under the best possible conditions. This
decision does not in any way prejudice the presumption of their innocence.

As regards the fact that the two officials were mentioned by name in the press, the Commission can only
reiterate that it has never at any time divulged the names of the persons under investigation.

On 19 December 2002 the Commission announced that there was nothing in the organisation of OLAF’s
investigation to prevent the precautionary measures referred to above from being rescinded.

OLAF’s investigation continues.

(1) Regulation (EC) No 1073/1999 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 May 1999 concerning

investigations conducted by the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF), OJ L 136, 31.5.1999.

(2003/C 268 E/043)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3495/02

by Camilo Nogueira Román (Verts/ALE) to the Commission

(10 December 2002)

Subject: Construction of a golf course in O Grove (Galicia) in a Natara Network area

The construction of a new golf course on the Sirandela hills (O Grove) in Galicia could have a serious
ecological impact. Various animal species living there are protected under the Natura 2000 programme,
which also covers the area’s flora. The future golfing complex respects neither the area’s biodiversity nor
the existence of the O Vao sandy isthmus nor the sand dunes of Umia-Grove, which means that the
ecological damage caused could be very extensive.

Has the Commission thought of asking the Junta da Galiza and the Spanish Environment Ministry to
provide the information needed to clarify the issue? Is this scheme receiving Community funding?

Answer given by Mrs Wallström on behalf of the Commission

(27 January 2003)

The Honourable Member has expressed his concern in relation to the implementation of a project to build
a new golf course in O Grove, Galicia.

According to the information provided by the Honourable Member, the golf course will be constructed
close to Sirandela hills. With this data, it has not been possible to identify the exact location of the golf
course but it seems that the project could be carried out outside of the Natura 2000 site Complexo Ons-O
Grove, ES1140004, but close to it.

The construction of golf courses neither included in Annex I nor in Annex II of Council Directive 85/337/
EEC (1) of 27 June 1985 on the assessment of the effects of certain public and private projects on the
environment amended by Council Directive 97/11/EC (2).

7.11.2003

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 268 E/39

According to available information it is not possible to prove that the project to build a golf course could
have a significant effect on the Natura 2000 site.

Only in the event that the project could have a significant effect on a Natura 2000 site, provisions of
article 6 of Council Directive 92/43/EEC (3) of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of
wild fauna and flora apply.

As far as the request for possible Community funding through the European Regional Development Fund
is concerned, the Commission informs the Honourable Member that it has no information on the
individual projects selected by Member States.

In conclusion, the Commission has no information regarding this project. Given that it has not been
possible to identify the exact location foreseen for this leisure infrastructure, the Commission will request
further information from the Spanish authorities especially in relation to the effect that the project could
have on the Natura 2000 site as well as concerning its possible Community funding.

(1) OJ L 175, 5.7.1985.
(2) OJ L 73, 14.3.1997.
(3) OJ L 206, 22.7.1992.

(2003/C 268 E/044)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3545/02

by Michel-Ange Scarbonchi (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

Subject: Creation of a fleet of European coastguard ships

(11 December 2002)

After the sinking of the ‘Erika’, the ‘Prestige’ oil spill on 19 November 2002 off the coast of Galicia, Spain
has shown us the serious inadequacies in the control and monitoring of ships at sea.

The Commission must act as quickly as possible in the face of environmental disasters like these. The
decision taken at the Franco-Spanish Summit in Malaga,
in accordance with Article 56 of the United
Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, to limit access for the most dangerous oil tankers to the
exclusive economic zone (EEZ), less than 200 nautical miles (360 km) from the coast, gives cause for
hope.

the crisis that an oil spill presents for those affected,

However,
for the local communities and its
consequences for the environment and sectors of the economy such as fishing and tourism, requires that
new rules concerning the transport of high-risk goods, as well as new monitoring measures, are drawn up
on a European scale.

The precautionary principle means that the setting up of a European police force of the seas must now be
considered. The creation of a fleet of European coastguard ships would allow maritime law to be enforced
more effectively.

There are many arguments in favour of a new administrative body, which could be placed under the
control of the European Parliament and under the responsibility of the maritime authorities of the Member
States. On the eve of the next enlargement of the European Union, this would send a strong message in
favour of a Europe of the sea. What is the Commission’s view on this?

Is the Commission willing to make proposals that would serve as a common basis for a European
campaign for safety at sea, with emphasis on the strict monitoring of the ships in circulation?

Answer given by Mrs de Palacio on behalf of the Commission

(4 February 2003)

On 3 December 2002, the Commission presented a communication on the action to be taken following
the sinking of the tanker ‘Prestige’ (1). On 6 and 9 December 2002, the Council adopted conclusions
supporting the Commission moves to prevent any repetition of that type of catastrophe and combat the
consequences.