Environmental impact of the construction of the Danube-Oder-Elbe canal

16.11.2005

WRITTEN QUESTION P-4392/05
by Tomáš Zatloukal (PPE‑DE)
to the Commission

The development of large areas of the Czech Republic has since 1971 been blocked by a protection order relating to the planned construction of the Danube‑Oder‑Elbe canal. Although the construction of the canal has been planned since 1901, its exact route has yet to be established. It was considered a transport project until the 1960s, after which it was presented as a water management project in order to justify the diversion of enormous quantities of water from the Danube into the River Morava and the construction of dams to make up for the shortfall in the River Oder — all to serve the needs of the canal. The construction of the canal is now being justified by its operators as, above all, an important ecological project, serving to irrigate surrounding areas, form new landscape, provide recreational opportunities and prevent flooding.

However, experts are talking in terms of a possible huge ecological disaster. As it would naturally follow river flows, the canal would have a significant impact on the surrounding landscape and on what remains of valuable flood plain systems. This would lead to the disintegration and devastation of many specially protected areas, not only in the Czech Republic but also in neighbouring countries. It has been established that an area of up to 400000 ha in 61 protected areas would be affected.

Regulated flows, systems allowing for swelling and sets of locks are already having a clear adverse effect on the river basin of the Rhine. Completing the project would involve extensive construction work, the demolition of hundreds of buildings, including buildings within town centres, and the raising of bridges along the route of the canal by up to seven metres. The canal would put an end to all current and planned recreational activities. Where the route of the canal runs along river beds, there would be a risk of serious flooding, with the canal itself needing to be protected.

Can the Commission indicate whether the Environment DG considers the construction of the canal, at this cost, to be an important ecological project with good prospects? Does the Environment DG support the project? Does the Environment DG agree with the assertion that the canal would fulfil all the functions outlined above and that the protection order on the route of the canal is still necessary?

OJ C 327, 30/12/2006