WRITTEN QUESTION E-1702/03 by Laura González Álvarez (GUE/NGL) to the Commission. Environmental impact of the Arenas-Molledo and Pesquera-Reinosa sections and Molledo-Pesquera sub-section of the Cantabria-Meseta motorway (Cantabria, Spain).
Date: 2003-05-22
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: Spain, application of EU law, environmental impact, environmental protection, impact study, protected area, road building

6.2.2004

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 33 E/155

certificate on 5 August 2003 (12 months after the publication of Commission Regulation (EC) No 1360/
2002). However, the Commission could expect that the first type approval will be granted before the end
of the year.

The submission by the Commission of a proposal for an extension of the implementation deadlines would
in all likelihood considerably delay the introduction of the digital tachograph. Considering the apparent
abuses of the current analogue tachograph with its negative consequences on road safety, the Commission
is of the opinion that the digital tachograph needs to be introduced as soon as possible. Therefore, the
Commission intends to revaluate the situation, when the first manufacturers will have obtained a type
approval later in 2003.

In order to help Member States to implement
Commission is supporting two projects.

the digital

tachograph before 5 August 2004,

the

The first project, initiated by the French ministry for Infrastructure, Transport and Housing, deals with the
issuing of tachograph cards. The timely issuing of tachograph cards is of utmost importance for the
successful introduction of the digital tachograph. One of the key elements of this project is TACHOnet, a
system enabling the exchange of information between national administrations responsible for the issuing
of tachograph cards and the enforcement of driving and rest times of professional drivers. The design
phase of TACHOnet was recently completed. Member States will now start the implementation phase.

in a more general

The second project, initiated by the Swedish National Road Administration, deals with implementation
for workshops,
issues
recommendations for transport companies on data management and for enforcers on road side and
company checks.

such as approval conditions and instructions

sense,

These projects will effectively help the Member States to implement the digital tachograph.

(1) OJ L 207, 5.8.2002.

(2004/C 33 E/152)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1702/03

by Laura González Álvarez (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

(22 May 2003)

Subject: Environmental impact of the Arenas-Molledo and Pesquera-Reinosa sections and Molledo-Pesquera

sub-section of the Cantabria-Meseta motorway (Cantabria, Spain)

The projected route of the Cantabria-Meseta motorway, and in particular of the Arenas-Molledo, Pesquera-
Reinosa and Molledo-Pesquera sections, has caused great concern among local
inhabitants, citizens’
associations and the public at large, owing to its lack of respect for the countryside and especially for the
Saja National Reserve, and to the destruction of an large proportion of the area’s historical heritage.
Numerous irregularities have occurred, such as the continuation of work on the Arenas-Molledo sub-
section before the Directorate-General for Environmental Quality and Assessment had reached its decision,
and the occupation of land without the requisite compulsory purchase order.

The environmental impact assessments conducted have lacked rigour, and the construction of the Corrales-
including the obliteration of
Arenas de Iguña section of the motorway has had serious repercussions,
Monte Fresneda, the Muriago watercourse and a Roman road.

Is the Commission aware of this situation? What measures will it take to guarantee the application, in the
case in point, of Community legislation on the environment, and more specifically of Directive 85/337/
EEC (1) on environmental
impact assessments and Directive 92/43/EEC (2) on the protection of natural
habitats and wild fauna and flora?

(1) OJ L 175, 5.7.1985, p. 40.
(2) OJ L 206, 22.7.1992, p. 7.

C 33 E/156

Official Journal of the European Union

EN

6.2.2004

Answer given by Mrs Wallström on behalf of the Commission

(14 July 2003)

The Commission is aware of the facts mentioned by the Honourable Member in connection with the
project for the Cantabria-Meseta motorway

In 1997 a complaint was made regarding this road because of the alleged wrong application of Directive
85/337/EEC (1) on the assessment of the effects of certain public and private projects on the environment,
as amended by Directive 97/11/EC (2).

When the Commission investigated the case, it ascertained that the Spanish authorities had conducted an
impact assessment for this project in accordance with the abovementioned Directive. The complaint was
therefore closed.

The complainants recently expressed their concern about changes to particular sections of the road.

Modifications to a motorway section are covered by Annex II-12 to the abovementioned Directive 85/337/
EEC. The projects included in this Annex are those referred to in Article 4(2) of the Directive which must
accordingly be subject to an impact assessment if Member States consider that their characteristics so
require.

This Directive is of a procedural nature and obliges Member States to conduct an impact assessment on
particular projects which could have significant adverse effects on the environment. Once the assessment
has been completed, the competent authority decides whether or not the project will be carried out. The
Commission does not have the power to impose the choice of a specific section on a Member State. This
choice is exclusively up to the national competent authorities.

According to the information available, the motorway does not cross or border on any site proposed by
the Spanish authorities as a site of Community importance pursuant to Council Directive 92/43/EEC of
21 May 1992 (3).

Consequently, and taking account of the fact that the motorway project has been subject to the mandatory
impact assessment procedure as required by the abovementioned Directive, the Commission has no power
to intervene in this case as it has not been able to establish any infringement of Community law.

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

(2004/C 33 E/153)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1712/03

by Stavros Xarchakos (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(23 May 2003)

Subject: Community funding of works and provision of rolling stock in Greece

Is the EU funding (whether directly or indirectly, through grants or loans, such as through the EIB) the
building of Olympic sports facilities in Greece or the construction and completion of projects connected
with facilitating the 2004 Olympic Games? If so, is the Commission satisfied with the progress made?

Is the EU funding (again directly or indirectly, through grants or loans) the provision of new rolling stock
(for buses and trams) for public transport in Athens or other Greek cities? If so, should there not be a
mention of this fact (for example in the form of information panels) on the vehicles purchased with
Community part-financing?