91999E2270

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2270/99

by Alexandros Alavanos (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

(13 December 1999)

Subject: Increased ozone levels in Greece and other Mediterranean countries

The Commission's report concerning ozone indicates that, in Greece, greater concentrations of ozone in terms of quantity and duration have been observed this year. The Commission's proposals seek to achieve a 70 % reduction in ozone exposure compared with 1990. However, the southern Member States of the EU argue that account has not been taken of special geographical and climatic factors (high temperatures, sun, humidity) which aggravate the problem and maintain that any benefit is disproportionately outweighed by the cost.

Since it is imperative to take measures to reduce pollution levels, what does the Commission consider to be likely areas in which funding could be earmarked for measures to overcome the problem?

Answer given by Mrs Wallström on behalf of the Commission

(11 January 2000)

In preparing its proposal for a directive on national emission ceilings(1) the Commission performed an extensive analysis of costs and benefits of its strategy to combat ground-level ozone (and acidification). In the model simulations which were part of this analysis the varying natural factors influencing the ozone formation in particular in southern Europe were fully taken into account, as well as the country-specific costs for requisite emission control measures.

The cost-benefit analysis of the proposal showed that benefits were higher than costs for all Member States including Greece. If one takes account of cost savings for Greece because of further emission reductions by neighbouring third countries, as laid down in the recently signed protocol under the United Nations (UN) Economic commission for Europe (ECE) Convention on long-range transboundary air pollution, the surplus of benefits against costs would be even higher.

Results of a case study on the situation in Athens show that implementation of the emission ceilings would bring tangible reductions of ozone concentrations by 2010, despite the special climatic conditions in this area. If accompanied by additional efforts on the local level further improvements can be achieved in terms of even lower ozone concentrations.

As part of regional programmes in the framework of the Community structural funds financial aid for measures to control emissions of pollutants could be provided. There have been examples of financing such measures in Greece. The Commission is currently negotiating the new Community support framework for Greece under which funding of control measures against air pollution is considered.

(1) COM(1999) 125 final, completed by SEC(1999) 2004.