Bárdenas Reales firing range
29.5.2015
Question for written answer E-008604-15
to the Commission
Rule 130
Paloma López Bermejo (GUE/NGL)
The Bárdenas Reales area of Navarra is a natural park and world biosphere reserve which is home to the largest NATO firing and gunnery range in Europe, as well as 19 municipalities, including Tudela with 35 000 inhabitants.
The authorisation for use of the range by NATO forces makes the Spanish Government and the Regional Government of Navarra accomplices in its imperialist strategy and creates a serious risk for the protection of the environment and the health of the population. The risks associated with air force activity (noise, light and environmental pollution, etc.) are compounded by the opacity regarding military use of the area and its impact on the health of residents and the ecosystem.
With regard to the Commission’s answer to Question E-005227/2013, I ask the following:
- 1.Does the Commission conclude that the military activity, which in practice exceeds the reserved area of the range, is compatible with the Habitats Directive?
- 2.Does the Commission consider that the atmospheric and acoustic pollution limits laid down in European legislation are being infringed?
- 3.Does the Commission consider that the continuous use of this range since 1951 demands measures under European legislation on the protection of water and soil?