EU funding for the Świnoujście deepwater container port and the environmental impact of the project
12.9.2023
Priority question for written answer P-002622/2023
to the Commission
Rule 138
Hannah Neumann (Verts/ALE)
Poland is planning the construction of a deepwater container port in Świnoujście, which will significantly affect the Baltic Sea’s natural environment and the flora and fauna of the Szczecin Lagoon and neighbouring islands. The cross-border environmental impact assessment (EIA) performed has substantial shortcomings as regards both content and form, as noted by the government of the German state of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, environmental organisations and local citizens’ initiatives. The impact on Natura 2000 areas such as the Bay of Pomerania was not properly assessed.
In July 2023, the Szczecin and Świnoujście Seaports Authority SA and a Belgian-Qatari consortium signed a preliminary 30-year agreement to lease the relevant land and build and operate the terminal. Importantly, modifications were made to the project, including to the navigation channel, without informing the stakeholders or conducting a new EIA. This navigation channel, which is set to be 500 metres wide, 17 metres deep and 70 kilometres long, is due to receive PLN 2.8 billion in co-financing from EU funds.
- 1.What is the source of the EU funding for this project and was it granted on the basis of the most recent project plans and an accurate EIA?
- 2.What steps will the Commission take to ensure that the project is aligned with EU environmental regulations and does not harm the Baltic Sea’s ecosystem?
Supporter[1]
Submitted: 12.9.2023
- [1] This question is supported by a Member other than the author: Jutta Paulus (Verts/ALE)