WRITTEN QUESTION E-3240/98

by Honório Novo (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

(26 October 1998)

Subject: Oil spill off the Portuguese coast

On 3 October 1998 an oil slick was spotted at Figueira da Foz which has since spread for 40 kilometres along Portugal's western coast.

The origin of the crude oil is as yet unknown, but the damage to this long stretch of the Portuguese coastline is already considerable and may worsen further if the slick continues to spread.

Can the Commission answer the following questions:

1. Is there any specific financial mechanism to support Member States in alleviating the negative impact and damage caused by accidents such as the one which has occurred along the coast at Figueira da Foz?

2. Can the Commission provide detailed information on the transposition and application in Portugal of Community directives concerning prevention, safety and checks with regard to the transport of dangerous and polluting materials by ship?

Answer given by Mr Kinnock on behalf of the Commission

(9 December 1998)

1. The Commission's activities relating to the control and reduction of pollution caused by the discharge at sea of hydrocarbons consist of support for the efforts of Member States to improve their capabilities for response to major pollution incidents and to create the conditions for efficient mutual assistance and co-operation. Any intervention is the responsibility of the affected Member State, which can prosecute the polluter, if known, following the "polluter pays" principle. Therefore, no financial instrument exists at the Community level for any intervention against pollution at sea or on the coast. However, expertise could be provided on a short term basis in order to assist Member State services undertaking relevant activities after a major incident.

There are no specific funds available for cases such as that described under the terms of the assistance given by the Community to foster economic and social cohesion. Additional measures linked to regional development and cohesion could be supported from the funds (e.g. studies on the further impact of the spillage) only in exceptional cases.

2. The only Community legislation relating to the transport of dangerous and polluting materials on board ships is Council Directive 93/75/EEC of 13 September 1993 concerning minimum requirements for vessels bound for, or leaving, Community ports and carrying dangerous or polluting goods(1). Portuguese law was brought into conformity with this Directive by Decree 94/96 adopted on 17 July 1996. The Commission is satisfied that the Portuguese decree fully meets the requirements of the Directive, and has no reason to doubt that the decree is being fully applied.

(1) OJ L 247, 5.10.1993.