92002E0050

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0050/02

by Ria Oomen-Ruijten (PPE-DE), Alexander de Roo (Verts/ALE)and Dorette Corbey (PSE) to the Commission

(24 January 2002)

Subject: Objections to the opening of a civilian airport

The Düsseldorf Bezirksregierung (district authority) in Germany has granted permission to the company Flughafen Niederrhein GmbH to convert the former Laarbruch military airfield, situated two kilometres from the Netherlands-German border in Germany, for use as a civilian airport. A number of communities living in nearby border areas of the Netherlands and Germany have lodged objections to the decision.

1. Can the Commission confirm that the granting of the aforementioned authorisation does not contravene European legislation on environmental impact assessment applying in this area, the birds and habitat directives and designated quiet areas?

2. What steps does the Commission intend to take if the authorisation in fact contravenes European legislation in force?

Answer given by Mrs Wallström on behalf of the Commission

(5 March 2002)

The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to its answer to Written Question E-2499/01 by Mr Meijer(1).

The Commission is currently investigating whether Community law has been complied with in this case. The German Government has been asked to provide information about the procedure applied in this case with a view to the potential transboundary effects of the project and to take a position on the charges. The answer of the German authorities will provide the information needed to come to conclusions with regard to the compliance with applicable Community law in this case.

The Commission will take the appropriate steps in order to ensure the observance of Community law.

(1) OJ C 147 E, 20.6.2002, p. 21.