WRITTEN QUESTION E-2745/03 by Joan Vallvé (ELDR) to the Commission. Environmental impact of the enlargement of Eivissa airport.
Date: 2003-09-11
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: Balearic Islands, airport, complaint to the Commission, degradation of the environment, environmental impact, nature reserve, protected area

27.3.2004

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 78 E/161

of Council Regulation (EC) No 1260/1999 of 21 June 1999 laying down general provisions on the
Structural Funds (1), which states that ‘interim payments and payments of the balance shall relate to
expenditure actually paid out, which must correspond to payments effected by the final beneficiaries,
supported by receipted invoices or accounting documents of equivalent probative value.’ There is no
provision for any exception to this rule.

(1) OJ L 161, 26.6.1999.

(2004/C 78 E/0165)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2745/03

by Joan Vallvé (ELDR) to the Commission

(11 September 2003)

Subject: Environmental impact of the enlargement of Eivissa airport

In Question E-0209/03 (1) of 21 January 2003 on the environmental impact of carrying out the scheme to
enlarge Eivissa airport, I observed that this scheme would … affect the special protection zone of the Ses
Salines d’Eivissa i Formentera natural park (Law 17/2001 of the Parlament de les Illes Balears).

Specifically, this would directly impact on the entire protected area,
including major socio-economic
impact from new occupation of lands and of privately owned houses, increased noise and air pollution
affecting the dune systems of the Es Codolar area, which are registered as a predominantly conservation
area, and impact on the landscape. Furthermore, the area is a Special Protection Area for Birds, under the
Birds Directive 79/409/EEC (2).

Secondly, the enlargement of the boundaries of the airport’s service area would mean directly occupying
and remodelling land which lies within the boundaries of the natural park. The portion occupied is part of
the extreme south-west of the dune system of the Es Codolar area, a zone registered as a conservation area,
and protected by the EEC Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC (3)) as an ecosystem of Community interest.
Furthermore, the enlargement involves a whole range of spatial planning changes in other areas bordering
on the Ses Salines d’Eivissa i Formentera natural park and therefore once again impacting thereon.

Six months ago,
complaint lodged in connection with the airport enlargement.

in its answer of 14 March 2003, the Commission stated that it was investigating a

Has the Commission reached any solid conclusions as a result of the complaint lodged?

(1) OJ C 222 E, 18.9.2003, p. 163.
(2) OJ L 103, 25.4.1979, p. 1.
(3) OJ L 206, 22.7.1992, p. 7.

Answer given by Mrs Wallström on behalf of the Commission

(16 October 2003)

As it stated in its answer to Written Question E-0209/03 from the Honourable Member, the Commission
is currently investigating a complaint about the enlargement of Ibiza airport.

As part of its investigation of this complaint, the Commission has asked the Spanish authorities for full
information about the project in question and for a copy of the project impact assessment carried out and
the measures taken to comply with the obligations arising from Article 6 of Council Directive 92/43/EEC
of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild flora and fauna (1).

C 78 E/162

Official Journal of the European Union

EN

27.3.2004

The Commission is still waiting for a reply from the Spanish authorities to this letter.

This file will also be discussed with the Spanish authorities during a bilateral meeting in October 2003 to
review certain complaints and infringements by Spain in the field of the environment.

(1) OJ L 206, 22.7.1992.

(2004/C 78 E/0166)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2755/03

by Glyn Ford (PSE) to the Commission

(15 September 2003)

Subject: Requirement for nationality to be listed on driving licences

A member of my constituency in the south-west of England has just received his new driving licence
which states his place of birth, Ireland. He is concerned about this, having suffered discrimination because
of his nationality throughout life, particularly in the 1970s when many people from Ireland living in
England were victims of prejudice both at work and in many other aspects of their daily lives.

As a result of this, although proud of his Irish heritage, he would rather be identified as a citizen of the EU
on his licence, to avoid further possible discrimination. What provisions does the Commission have to
protect citizens of the EU who have suffered in this way? Are there any plans to amend the regulations
concerning driving licences?

Answer given by Mrs de Palacio on behalf of the Commission

(27 October 2003)

Council Directive 91/439/EEC of 29 July 1991, on driving licences (1) foresees that the date and place of
birth of the holder are mentioned on the driving licence. These entries are necessary in order to allow a
precise identification of the holder by the public authorities, notably for enforcement purposes. The
Commission does not intend to propose a modification of this provision.

(1) OJ L 237, 24.8.1991.

(2004/C 78 E/0167)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2765/03

by Raffaele Lombardo (PPE-DE)
and Francesco Musotto (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(16 September 2003)

Subject: Amending Regulation (EC) No 1623/2000 for the use of concentrated musts and rectified

concentrated musts

The rationale for the European Union’s common agricultural policy (CAP) lies in developing the rural
economy, sustaining agricultural production, increasing crop diversification and improving the standard
and high quality of food and security of supply.

As is clear from the Agenda 2000 programme which the Berlin European Council adopted in December
1999, any reform of the CAP must pursue the aims of environmental sustainability, strengthening the
economy of rural areas and consolidating the cultural heritage and social justice.