EU funding for the bioethanol production plant and sugar refinery in Anklam, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania

22.5.2017

Question for written answer E-003461-17
to the Commission
Rule 130
Martin Häusling (Verts/ALE)

Since 2007, the sugar refinery in Anklam has been operated by the Dutch firm Suiker Uni. In that time, the plant has been expanded: bioethanol and biogas are now produced on a site immediately adjacent to the Peenetal nature reserve (FFH area and protected bird habitat). In September 2015, in circumstances which have not yet been fully explained, one million litres of bioethanol were discharged into the River Peene, killing huge numbers of fish[1].

1. Can the Commission say whether investigations into a possible breach of the FFH and Bird Protection Directives are being carried out, whether penalties have been imposed, or whether the operator has been required to take precautions, in particular against the backdrop of the planned expansion of the site in 2018, for which authorisation has not yet been given?2. Has the operator received EU funding for the development and expansion of the existing plant?3. If so, how much funding, for what period and purpose and subject to what conditions?

• [1] http://www.zeit.de/wissen/umwelt/2015-09/fischsterben-peene-mecklenburg/komplettansicht