Protection of mining investment in Northern Greece

8.4.2015

Question for written answer E-005565-15
to the Commission
Rule 130
Eva Kaili (S&D)

One of the most important mining investments by the company Hellas Gold SA is currently under way in Northern Greece (Skouries, Halkidiki), in the objective of utilising the rich reserves available.

While Greece is still struggling through the ongoing financial crisis, the Greek Government is seeking to terminate the contract with Hellas Gold SA on the grounds of alleged environmental sensitivities, with total disregard for the legal licences, the right to work of 2000 workers and rulings by the supreme administrative court in Greece, the Council of State, holding that the environmental impact study is fully compliant with current legislation.

In view of the above, will the Commission say:

What is its specific policy and plan regarding productive utilisation of rich deposits, such as those found in Halkidiki, within the context of current and/or future European initiatives on raw materials?

What action could it intend to take to help overcome the obstacles to the investment in question, which is clearly in the public interest, if it finds that it is in breach of Community law?

How could workers be protected in the event of that the new government causes persistent delays by demanding unjustified review of the judgments delivered by the Council of State allowing the project to continue?