Agriculture Package

10.10.2016

Question for written answer P-007634-16
to the Commission
Rule 130
Christel Schaldemose (S&D)

The Danish newspaper Berlingske Tidende wrote on 6 October 2016 that GEUS (Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland) has found that the food and agricultural package adopted by the Danish Government in December 2015 will increase nitrate contents in Danish groundwater, and in the long term increase nitrate levels in Denmark’s drinking water. In light of the above, can the Commission say:

• 1.Is it contrary to the EU Nitrates Directive that, as a result of the food and agricultural package adopted by the Danish Government in December 2015, nitrate content in the Danish groundwater increases?
• 2.Is it generally in line with EU environmental directives that groundwater nitrate levels increase as a result of policy measures adopted by the Danish Government?
• 3.In the event that the Commission considers that it is contrary to EC law for nitrate levels in groundwater to increase, what will it do to ensure that Denmark complies with EC law?