WRITTEN QUESTION E-4111/97 by Anita Pollack (PSE) to the Commission (16 January 1998)

Subject: Enforcement of the Habitats Directive

Why is the progress on creating a network of special conservation areas [Nature 2000] so slow when Member States were expected to produce a list of protected areas to be incorporated into this network by June 1995?

Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission (4 February 1998)

The 'Habitats' Directive, Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora ((OJ L 206, 22.7.1992. )), sets June 1995 as the final date for Member States to submit their list of proposed sites for the Natura 2000 network.

It is therefore up to each Member State to explain why it has not met the deadline. The Commission itself has instituted infringement proceedings against the Member States for not submitting complete national lists of sites.

The 'Habitats' Directive provides for a second period of three years during which the Commission must compile a draft list of sites of Community importance from lists submitted by the Member States. The Commission intends meeting this deadline of three years.