WRITTEN QUESTION E-0382/03 by Mihail Papayannakis (GUE/NGL) to the Commission. Environmental pollution caused by a factory in the Larissa area.
Date: 2003-02-13
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: Greece, application of EU law, environmental law, environmental protection, industrial pollution

C 242 E/126

Official Journal of the European Union

EN

9.10.2003

On the basis of this information, the Commission is planning to initiate infringement proceedings against
Belgium, France, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Austria, Portugal, Finland, Sweden and the United Kingdom
for failure to notify national implementing measures.

(1) Directive 2000/59/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 November 2000 on port reception

facilities for ship-generated waste and cargo residues (cid:1) OJ L 332, 28.12.2000.

(2003/C 242 E/130)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0382/03

by Mihail Papayannakis (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

(13 February 2003)

Subject: Environmental pollution caused by a factory in the Larissa area

In the Larissa area (6 kilometres along the regional road linking Larissa and Sykourio) there is a brick and
tile factory, Terra Ltd (cid:1) Viokeral, which uses the fuel Pet Coke without any sulphur dioxide filters. This
fuel has been found to have serious consequences for the environment because of the increased sulphur
content and sulphur dioxide emissions which are over the permitted limits.

Does the Commission consider that this constitutes a violation of Directive 96/61/EC (1)? If so, how does it
intend to intervene so as to prevail upon Greece to comply with this Directive and put an end to the
pollutant emissions of sulphur dioxide from the factory in question and any other similar emissions by
other factories on Greek territory?

(1) OJ L 257, 10.10.1996, p. 26.

Answer given by Mrs Wallström on behalf of the Commission

(20 March 2003)

On the basis of the situation reported by the Honourable Member, the Commission has launched an own-
initiative investigation to determine whether the factory in question complies with the Community’s
environment legislation.

A letter has been sent to the Greek authorities asking them for information on compliance with Council
Directive 96/61/EC of 24 September 1996 concerning integrated pollution prevention and control and
Council Directive 85/337/EEC of 27 June 1985 (1), as amended by Council Directive 97/11/EC of 3 March
1997 (2), on the assessment of the effects of certain public and private projects on the environment.

Once it has received a reply from the Greek authorities, the Commission will examine whether there is any
violation of
take the necessary steps to ensure that
Community law is observed in this instance.

the aforementioned Community acts and will

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

(2003/C 242 E/131)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0388/03

by Markus Ferber (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(13 February 2003)

Subject: Appointment of Morten Jung-Olsen as Head of Unit and Chief Negotiator for Bulgaria

Is it true that the Commissioner for Enlargement, Günter Verheugen, has appointed Morten Jung-

1.
Olsen Head of Unit and Chief Negotiator for Bulgaria?

Is there any truth in the allegations that Mr Olsen was held in custody in Denmark over alleged

2.
activities for the State Security Service of the former GDR?