WRITTEN QUESTION No. 613/98 by Tommy WAIDELICH to the Commission. Budget items for EU aid to organizations operating in the field of drugs policy
C 310/102 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 9. 10. 98 (98/C 310/136) WRITTEN QUESTION E-0612/98 by Fernando Moniz (PSE) to the Commission (9 March 1998) Subject: The Sela dam › an ecological crime Environmental protection is one of the EUís major concerns. A number of measures and decisions are being taken with a view to launching a campaign to increase awareness, together with new rules and regulations to be introduced in the Member States. During Parliamentís part-session in Strasbourg in February 1998 the Council, the Commission and the European Parliament devoted attention to this issue, in particular in connection with áclimate changeí. An agreement signed in 1968 laid down conditions for the áhydroelectric exploitationí of Sela on the river Minho in the north of Portugal, near Monça~o and Melgaço, to be promoted by the Portuguese corporation EDP and the Spanish Union Fenosa. The creation of a lake 22 km long would undoubtedly submerge hundreds of fishing grounds and destroy the natural habitats of various fish species (shad, lamprey and salmon). The existence of a reservoir would undoubtedly cause a change in the climate, with an increase in humidity and solar radiation, which would alter the microclimate essential for the production of a traditional quality wine (ávinho alvarinhoí) which is the only really profitable and competitive ánicheí product of two of the most authentic and traditional, but at the same time poorest, towns in Portugal. The local authorities, the bodies representing the region and the population in general feel strongly about the hydroelectric project and are clearly showing their opposition and trying to ensure that economic considerations and influences do not prevail over the protection of wildlife and a socio-economic structure with traditions closely tied up with rural life, which it is essential to preserve. In view of the fact that this project may be carried out contrary to the principles upheld by the EU, does the Commission intend, once it has all the relevant information at its disposal, to use its influence to safeguard the legitimate interests which are at stake? If so, what actual measures will be taken? Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission (21 April 1998) The project in question has not been the subject of a request for Community co-financing. According to the information available to the Commission, a public inquiry is currently under-way, in accordance with the requirements of the environmental impact assessment procedure under Council Directive 85/337/EEC of 27 June 1985 on the assessment of the effects of certain public and private projects on the environment (1). The Commission will take care to ensure that the national authorities conform with Community law, in particular with regard to nature conservation. (1) OJ L 175, 5. 7. 1985. (98/C 310/137) WRITTEN QUESTION E-0613/98 by Tommy Waidelich (PSE) to the Commission (9 March 1998) Subject: Budget items for EU aid to organizations operating in the field of drugs policy Eu aid has reportedly been paid in both 1996 and 1997 to organizations such as European Cities on Drugs Policy (ECDP) whose aims include the legalization of narcotics, the establishment of ácoffee shopsí and the legal prescription of heroin. Can the Commission say under which budget items such aid is paid out?