On 23 November 2020, ‘urgent work to render high-risk areas safe and to mitigate the effects of coastal erosion at the points where it is most widespread and most severe’ commenced in the municipality of San Vero Milis (Province of Oristano).

This project, declared ‘not subject’ to environmental impact assessments(1), is benefiting from a total of EUR 700 000(2) in Community funds.

The area affected by the work includes a vast nesting site of the European bee-eater (Merops apiaster Linnaeus, 1758). This species is listed in Annex 2 to the Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats, in the Annex to the Birds Directive (Directive 79/409/EEC) and in Annex 1 to the Bonn Convention(3).

Environmental damage is already being done and the nesting sites are at serious risk of being destroyed by the work in progress.

In view of this:

Is the Commission aware of the above facts?

Does the Commission believe that the Region of Sardinia’s decision not to subject the work to an EIA was justifiable?

Is it possible that Community funding could be withdrawn and proceedings initiated for infringement of the Birds Directive (Directive 79/409/EEC)?