Destruction of chemical weapons from Syria
15.7.2014
Question for written answer P-005778-14
to the Commission
Rule 130
Sofia Sakorafa (GUE/NGL)
The destruction of chemical weapons from Syria in the international waters of the Mediterranean has led to objections on the part of experts and nearby countries alarmed at the possible impact on the environment and on local communities.
Given that they are no longer being used for military purposes, the weapons must be treated in the same way as all other manifestly dangerous products circulating within the EU.
Further to previous questions, can the Commission provide the following information:
- 1.In the light of EU legislation, what view does it take of ‘the impending risk of damage’ arising from destruction of the weapons, particularly in view of the principle of the responsibility of manufacturers, operators and traders? Is manufacturer liability established under existing EU legislation? If not, will the Commission consider the need for existing provisions to be supplemented along these lines?
- 2.What guarantees has it received regarding compliance with the ‘polluter pays’ principle, given that the vessel being used is US-flagged and responsibility for any damage to the ecosystem would accordingly rest with a country that is not a signatory to the Law of the Sea and therefore not bound by it?