Denmark's exemptions from measures relating to agriculture
29.2.2016
Question for written answer E-001757-16
to the Commission
Rule 130
Margrete Auken (Verts/ALE)
As a follow-up to my question (E-011152-15) to the Commission in July 2015 and the Commission's answer to it, I would request a further answer regarding Denmark's exemptions from measures relating to agriculture. The Danish Government's agriculture package[1] (adopted on 22 December 2015 and now being transposed into law) is expected to lead to increased nitrogen emissions as from 2016. The exemptions will affect the aquatic environment and spill over into maritime resources and environmental protection. The Danish Government's minutes[2] of meetings with the Commission show that the Commission is also concerned that Denmark is working on exemptions before compensatory measures have been worked out.
1. Does the Commission consider that Denmark can fulfil its obligations under the Nitrates Directive, the Water Framework Directive, the Marine Strategy Directive and the Habitats Directive with the exemptions from agricultural measures which have been announced?
2. If not, when does the Commission expect to initiate infringement proceedings against Denmark for breaches of the individual directives?