WRITTEN QUESTION E-0112/00 by Camilo Nogueira Román (Verts/ALE) to the Commission. Diversion of a high voltage power line in the locality of Merza (Galicia).
3. 4. 2001 EN Official Journal of the European Communities C 103 E/3 (2001/C 103 E/002) WRITTEN QUESTION E-0112/00 by Camilo Nogueira RomÆn (Verts/ALE) to the Commission (27 January 2000) Subject: Diversion of a high voltage power line in the locality of Merza (Galicia) A 400 kv high voltage power line between Mesón del Viento in Galicia and the locality of Lindoso on the Portuguese border, which was included in an operational programme in Galicia for the period 1990-1993 and received funding under the ERDF, was diverted from the route approved by the Commission on the initiative of the publicly-owned company Red ElØctrica de Espaæa S. A. and following a decision by the Galician Government with the result that, counter to the project which was originally approved, it now passes through the locality of Merza, which has 800 inhabitants. The Galician Governmentís decision, taken in 1996, is also in breach of EU regulations on combating the harmful effects of non-ionising radiation, which recommend that such power lines should pass through corridors which have no permanent activity or dwellings and stipulate that prior impact assessments must be carried out and that, at all events, compensation and expropriation schemes must be set up. Moreover, an action under the Leader programme is currently underway in Merza, which has been seriously affected by the existence of an unauthorised high voltage power line. Even though they have been approached on many occasions, neither the Galician nor the central Spanish authorities have taken the necessary measures to remedy this situation. Can the Commission report on the action it will take to remedy all the infringements of EU regulations which have been committed in Merza, thus giving its inhabitants the satisfaction which they deserve? Supplementary answer given by Mr Barnier on behalf of the Commission (3 July 2000) According to information received from the Spanish authorities, it does not appear that any transgression of Community legislation has taken place in regard to the project mentioned by the Honourable Member. The change in the route taken for the electricity line in question appears to have been made in accordance with the rules in force at the time. the Honourable Member has information to the contrary the Commission would be pleased to If investigate the matter further with the Spanish authorities. (2001/C 103 E/003) WRITTEN QUESTION P-0641/00 by Paul Rübig (PPE-DE) to the Council (25 February 2000) Subject: Austria and EU enlargement After 30 years of Socialist participation in government in Austria, a centre-right coalition has now been formed which is supported by a stable 57 % of Members of the Austrian Parliament. Moreover, more than 70 % of the population did not vote for the Social Democratic Party (SPÖ). Thirteen EU Member States, acting on the initiative of, and coordinated by, the Council President and President of the Socialist International, have decided on common measures in their relations with Austria. It is at precisely this juncture that 11 candidate countries are endeavouring to adapt their legal systems and develop market economies to enable themselves to join the European Union