Authorisation for ‘AGET Iraklis of Volos’ to incinerate waste

9.5.2017

Question for written answer E-003215-17
to the Commission
Rule 130
Sotirios Zarianopoulos (NI)

With the Decision on the Approval of the Environmental Conditions (DAEC) 9999/24.2.17 of the Ministry of Environment and Energy, the SYRIZA — ANEL government is completing the authorisation procedure for the ‘AGET Iraklis of Volos’ to incinerate waste, a move which will destroy the environment and endanger the health of the workers.

The permitted percentage of carcinogenic solid waste and rubbish incineration has been increased, while the environmental conditions that have been set ignore documented evidence of the hazards posed by the dioxins/furans and other gaseous pollutants emitted during the combustion of fuel waste in the cement plants. It should be noted that this plant is very close to Volos, which increases the risks to the environment and endangers the health of workers and the residents of working class neighbourhoods in the area.

The Greek Government is seeking to open up new areas of profitability for business corporations, which is why it is implementing the EU’s guidelines that will cause irreparable damage. In this regard, so-called ‘green’ growth and the ‘climate change strategy’ will allow lucrative investments in various harmful ‘alternative’ (waste-based) fuels and in waste management in general.

In view of the above, will the Commission say:

How does it view the fact that the EU's ‘green’ growth and ‘climate change strategy’ seek to open up new profit margins for business corporations, ignoring the harmful impact on the environment and people's health?