Measures to protect Europe's historic and natural heritage

16.2.2018

Question for written answer E-000975-18
to the Commission
Rule 130
Francesc Gambús (PPE) , Inés Ayala Sender (S&D) , Santiago Fisas Ayxelà (PPE) , Inmaculada Rodríguez-Piñero Fernández (S&D) , Javi López (S&D)

2018 has been designated European Year of Cultural Heritage. A few days ago, however, the ‘Historical landscape of El Sénia's ancient olive trees’ project, which had been awarded an EU prize for cultural heritage — Europa Nostra award in 2014, came under threat. A firm located in Sant Celoni has dug up a number of ancient olive trees that were growing in Ulldecona with the intention of selling them, even though the council of the municipality concerned has called for the trees to be left in place in the interests of protecting the area’s cultural heritage and landscape.

1. What actions and programmes does the Commission believe could be used to protect this area, which the EU considers to be part of the cultural heritage?

2. Does the Commission intend to propose fresh legislation or guidelines for the Member States on the protection and use of landscape containing ancient olive trees in Europe?