Mismanagement of waste in Corfu

21.12.2015

Question for written answer E-016050-15
to the Commission
Rule 130
Georgios Epitideios (NI)

The Commission has announced that Greece has been referred to the EU Court of Justice for the mismanagement of waste in Corfu. The Commission had already sounded the alarm in March 2011 in a letter of formal notice pointing out the risk to human health and the environment, given that the Tembloni landfill has been operating in violation of EU legislation on waste and landfills since 2007.

The shortcomings relate, inter alia, to the mismanagement of biogas, the failure to treat leachate leakages from the landfill and the presence of waste prohibited in landfills.

Although the Greek authorities have recognised the problem and are trying to address it, they have not yet taken the necessary measures, so the landfill continues to operate in violation of EU waste legislation.

In view of the above, will the Commission say:

• (a)What specific risks for human health and the environment are posed by the specific waste management conditions?
• (b)Have any funds been allocated by the EU to upgrade the specific landfills, and if so, is there any information on how these funds have been managed?
• (c)What measures will it take to safeguard public health and ensure respect for the environment in the region in question?