WRITTEN QUESTION E-2724/99 by Rosa Miguélez Ramos (PSE) to the Commission. Aeolus project.
C 280 E/114 Official Journal of the European Communities EN 3. 10. 2000 (2000/C 280 E/120) WRITTEN QUESTION E-2724/99 by Rosa MiguØlez Ramos (PSE) to the Commission (18 January 2000) Subject: Aeolus project As part of the Leonardo programme, the EU finances research and professional training in alternative energy sources under the Aeolus project. One of the sources concerned is wind power, which, as well as certain advantages, also has several drawbacks, including the high noise levels generated by the windmills and the visual impact of these large constructions on the countryside, frequently in areas of outstanding natural beauty. In view of the Community requirement for at least 10 % of electricity to be produced from renewable sources by 2010, and given the ubiquitous construction of wind farms, in increasing numbers each year, has the Commission considered making an environmental impact assessment obligatory for wind farms built using Community funds? Would the Commission be prepared to carry out a study into how their environmental impact could be kept to a minimum? Answer given by Mrs Wallström on behalf of the Commission (22 February 2000) Point 3i of Annex II to Council Directive 97/11/EEC amending Directive 85/337/EEC on the assessment of the effects of certain public and private projects on the environment (1), provides for an environmental impact assessment (EIA) for installations for the harnessing of windpower for energy production. Article 4 of the abovementioned Directive states that, for projects listed in Annex II, Member States may decide whether projects are to be made subject to an EIA, on the basis of a case by case examination or thresholds or criteria set by the Member State. It is therefore for the Member State to determine whether or not a project is to be made subject to an EIA. If it is, measures may be laid down to reduce its impact on the environment. (1) OJ L 73, 14. 3. 1997. (2000/C 280 E/121) WRITTEN QUESTION E-2725/99 by Rosa MiguØlez Ramos (PSE) to the Commission (18 January 2000) Subject: Accident rate in the fishing industry The accident rate in the European Unionís fishing sector has reached an alarming level. Fatal accidents occur as a result of the particular conditions in which fishermen work. Is the Commission in possession of country-specific figures on work-related accidents in the fishing sector over recent years? Can it provide figures on the death rate in the sector? Can the Commission provide a breakdown of the numbers of deaths caused by shipwreck and the numbers owing to other causes, such as accidents on board? What measures is the Commission taking or does it intend to take to reduce the number of accidents?