92002E1932

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1932/02

by Alexander de Roo (Verts/ALE) to the Commission

(3 July 2002)

Subject: Eastern section of the A73 south motorway

In its reply to my question concerning the construction of the A73 south motorway in the Netherlands (E-2244/01 of 26 July 2001(1)), the Commission states that it is currently investigating the complaint that the proposed construction of the A73 motorway on the East bank of the river Maas between Venlo and Maasbracht is incompatible with the Habitats Directive (Council Directive 92/43/EEC(2) of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora).

The Commission also states in its reply that it will ask the Dutch Government to give a formal reply to a series of questions regarding the likely effects of the A73 south project on the state of conservation of the species and habitats listed in the Community nature protection directives (directives on the conservation of wild birds and habitats) and provide details of compensation measures envisaged.

What is the present situation with regard to the request for a formal reply from the Dutch Government?

What is the Dutch Government's formal reply?

In the light of that reply, are further measures called for in relation to the Netherlands, and if so, what?

(1) OJ C 81 E, 4.4.2002, p. 137.

(2) OJ L 206, 22.7.1992, p. 7.

Answer given by Mrs Wallström on behalf of the Commission

(13 September 2002)

The Commission is investigating several complaints regarding the compatibility of the proposed A73 motorway on the East bank of the river Meuse between Roermond and Venlo and the Habitats Directive, Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora(1), and the Birds Directive, Council Directive 79/409/EEC of 2 April 1979 on the conservation of wild birds(2).

The Commission is in contact with the Dutch Government on this case. In particular, the Commission is preparing a letter putting questions to the Dutch government as regards the likely effects of the A73 project on the state of conservation of the species and habitats listed in the two Community Nature Protection Directives referred to above and the details of the application of the safeguards foreseen by these Directives.

(1) OJ L 206, 22.7.1992.

(2) OJ L 103, 25.4.1979.