Offshore drilling: natural disaster prevention

11.6.2013

Question for written answer P-006749-13
to the Commission
Rule 117
Pino Arlacchi (S&D)

ENI, Shell and other companies have embarked on the procedure to begin offshore drilling in the Ionian Sea off the coast of the municipalities comprised in the Alto Ionio Cosentino, between the Gulf of Taranto and the Gulf of Sibari. These proceedings are strongly opposed by local residents, as the areas in question have a strong tourism sector which is incompatible with any form of offshore oil drilling.

The high level of seismic activity in the Gulf of Taranto is a potential cause of tsunamis produced by earthquakes occurring along the active fault zones between Albania and Greece. There would be a serious risk of pollution from hydrocarbons released at sea if drilling facilities sited offshore were affected by any such incidents.

In view of the foregoing,

Would the Commission state whether compliance with the legislation on the prevention of natural disaster and civil protection has been ensured?

Would the Commission state whether and, if so, how the European authorities can intervene to suspend the process of launching oil exploration activities in the areas concerned?

Would the Commission state whether the risk of seismic events and natural disasters, and their financial and other impact on the economy, were fully take into account when the decision was taken to grant the request for permission to proceed?

OJ C 47 E, 19/02/2014