Measures to ensure the success of the gold mining investment in Halkidiki and compliance with environmental legislation
20.4.2012
Question for written answer E-004129/2012
to the Commission
Rule 117
Ioannis A. Tsoukalas (PPE)
Violent clashes between residents of Halkidiki in northern Greece are continuing as a result of a decision to invest in the development of gold mining in the region. The EUR 1.5 billion investment is expected to generate 1 500 direct jobs and several indirect jobs and could give a significant boost to development in the area and help provide an answer to the very severe local unemployment problem. On the other hand, the local community is justifiably suspicious about the ability of the Greek State and its agencies to enforce strict European environmental legislation (particularly in the case of a potentially polluting activity such as gold mining) and ensure the safety of residents, and to protect the particular natural beauty of a broader region which supports numerous activities and jobs in the tourism industry.
In view of the above, will the Commission say:
- 1.Given Greece’s huge need to attract investment and generate jobs, is it in a position to provide expertise to the Greek Government and to contribute to the evaluation and monitoring of this significant investment and safeguarding of the Community acquis in relation to the environment? Such assistance would help to ensure compliance with very strict environmental provisions, would strengthen citizens’ confidence in the investment and would show that developmental activities are not necessarily incompatible with the protection of the environment, as experience has shown with similar projects in other Member States.
- 2.Could the Commission’s Task Force for Greece, with the contribution of the Commission’s agencies, undertake an advisory role for the evaluation and the implementation of the investment?
- 3.What data have the Greek authorities provided for the Commission in relation to compliance with EU environmental legislation, including Directive 2006/21/EC? Is it satisfied with the data and the environmental impact studies?
- 4.Does the Commission have any information on similar — successful — investments in gold mining in other Member States, where mining has been conducted in accordance with EU environmental legislation?
OJ C 151 E, 30/05/2013