WRITTEN QUESTION E-2131/03 by Mihail Papayannakis (GUE/NGL) to the Commission. Re-opening of mineral extraction plant at Pergamon (Bergama).
Date: 2003-06-26
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: EU relations, Türkiye, accession to the European Union, environmental risk prevention, hazardous waste, mining extraction, storage of waste

8.4.2004

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 88 E/383

(2004/C 88 E/0389)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2131/03

by Mihail Papayannakis (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

(26 June 2003)

Subject: Re-opening of mineral extraction plant at Pergamon (Bergama)

The re-opening of Eurogold’s gold extraction plant in the Pergamon area of Turkey, opposite the island of
Lesbos, is a danger to the ecosystem and public health in the region. Data compiled by experts show that
6,8 tonnes of gold and 8,5 tonnes of silver were produced in 2002 and that these were extracted using
25 tonnes of cyanide. This quantity of toxic waste is stored at a distance of only 25 kilometres from the
shores of the Greek island of Lesbos and the town of Mytilini, while a storage basin for toxic waste and
cyanide salts has been set up near the village of Ovacik. Given the high level of seismic activity in the area
and the possibility of a leakage of toxic cyanide waste into the water table and the Aegean as the result of
a major earthquake, the potential consequences are catastrophic.

In view of the fact that Parliament has already adopted a resolution condemning activities of this kind
(B4-0410/94) (1), will the Commission ask Turkey for information on the above matter, in the context of
that country’s efforts to forge closer links with Europe, and take the necessary measures to avoid far-
reaching environmental damage in both Greece and Turkey?

(1) OJ C 341, 5.12.1994, p. 169.

Answer given by Mr Verheugen on behalf of the Commission

(7 August 2003)

The Commission is aware of the facts mentioned by the Honourable Member. The activities of the
companies involved in mineral extraction in Bergama have been subject to a judgement of the Izmir
Administrative Court of 10 January 2002. In accordance with the principle of the rule of law, which is
part of the Copenhagen criteria, the Turkish Authorities are expected to fully abide by decisions of the
judiciary. Mining activities such as those mentioned by the Honourable Member may have potentially
serious implications for the protection of the environment and human health if they are not carried out
properly. As part of its preparations for accession, Turkey undertakes to adopt and implement the ‘acquis’
in due course.

The Commission will continue to monitor the situation closely in light of the relevant political and ‘acquis’
criteria.

(2004/C 88 E/0390)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2139/03

by Maurizio Turco (NI) to the Commission

(26 June 2003)

Subject: Violation of religious freedom and legal restrictions on the exercising of religious activity in

Belarus

Mikhail Balyk, a Pentecostal evangelist, is refusing to pay a fine for conducting religious ceremonies of an
unregistered religion, an activity that constitutes a crime under Belarusian law.

Balyk emphasises the fact that the state authorities have committed a number of procedural violations in
drawing up the protocol against him: he was not in fact approached at the time of the illegal activity of
which he is accused, and thus the authorities have no proof that he created or led an unregistered religious
organisation.