Adapting the terms of the Memorandum to the EU environmental acquis
5.6.2012
Question for written answer E-005632/2012
to the Commission
Rule 117
Nikos Chrysogelos (Verts/ALE)
In the Commission’s response[1] to a letter from the WWF[2] concerning the environmental impact of the measures adopted in Greece to tackle the economic crisis, Commissioners Rehn and Potočnik have pledged that no measure taken in the context of the economic adjustment programme can go against the EU environmental acquis. However, the policies of the economic adjustment programme which have already been implemented have direct and indirect consequences for the environment. These include the absorption of the Green Fund by the general budget, the earmarking of resources from the Restoration Fund for Fire-Damaged Areas (financed by contributions and donations from citizens) for budgeting purposes, the legalisation of illegal developments in protected areas, investments with questionable environmental scrutiny, the downsizing of environmental staff in public authorities and the support given to the opening of the lignite market.
Given the Commission’s commitment to safeguard the environmental acquis and the fact that it is co-financing the financial stability programme:
- 1.What methodology is it using to monitor and assess the environmental impact of the economic adjustment programme?
- 2.Is it prepared to draw up and submit a report to the European Parliament on adapting the terms of the Memorandum to the EU environmental acquis so that economic consolidation does not go against EU environmental policy? In drafting this report, will it consider that the conclusion which is usually reached, i.e. that these measures had been approved by the Greek Government, is not sufficient?
- 3.Does the Commission believe that the economic adjustment programme is subject to the application of Directive 2001/42/EC? If so, does it intend to work with the Greek authorities on a strategic environmental assessment of the economic adjustment programme?
- 4.Is it examining the possibility of integrating sustainability indicators into the economic support packages for countries with financial difficulties such as Greece, Ireland and Portugal?
- [1] http://www.wwf.gr/images/pdfs/EC‑reply-to-WWF-%20OlliRehn&JanezPotočnik.pdf
- [2] http://www.wwf.gr/images/pdfs/J-M-Barroso-EC6-jan2012GR.pdf
OJ C 174 E, 20/06/2013