Major interpellation - Trans Adriatic Pipeline in Italy

20.11.2017

Major interpellation for written answer with debate O-000086/2017
to the Commission
Rule 130b
Rosa D'Amato, Dario Tamburrano, on behalf of the EFDD Group

The Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) has been given the status of Project of Common Interest and Project of Energy Community Interest, but its construction is detrimental to the environment and the economy and infringes upon the rights of local people. The EU’s decision to overlook its impact is of the utmost concern, especially when we consider that citizens and local authorities have voiced their opposition. We are appalled by the militarisation of San Foca and dismayed by the fact that peaceful protests have been shut down by the police. We condemn the decision of the Italian Minister of the Environment Gian Luca Galletti to approve the project against the will of citizens, and the Italian Government’s response to peaceful protests.

1. Is the Commission aware that in altering the delicate ecosystem off the coast of San Foca, the TAP will endanger species protected under the Natura 2000 network?

2. Does it envisage carrying out an impact assessment of the project’s economic and social consequences?

3. The Russian gas company Gazprom and the Italian oil and gas company Eni signed a deal that paves the way for Gazprom to access the TAP. How can the Commission say that the project will diversify the EU’s gas supply and decrease dependence on Russian gas?