91997E3614

WRITTEN QUESTION P-3614/97 by Elisabeth Schroedter (V) to the Commission (6 November 1997)

Subject: Environmental impact evaluation in connection with the implementation of structural assistance in the Land of Brandenburg

1. Is the Commission aware that, in the Land of Brandenburg, the requirements concerning the evaluation of the environmental impact listed in relation to Objective 1 in Article 8(4), third indent of the Structural Fund

Regulation No 2081/93 ((OJ L 193, 31.7.1993, p. 5. )) are interpreted so that it is sufficient, when ERDF funds are allocated, for the environmental impact to be checked by the Land investment bank, which fills in the notifications of assistance?

2. If so, does the Commission consider that the procedure applied in the Land of Brandenburg adequately fulfils the provisions of the Regulation to the effect that arrangements be made to associate the competent environmental authorities?

3. Does the Commission consider that the Brandenburg Land investment bank is sufficiently qualified to make a proper expert assessment of the environmental impact of projects?

Answer given by Mrs Wulf-Mathies on behalf of the Commission (11 December 1997)

According to information supplied to the Commission by the Brandenburg Ministry of economics, which is responsible for the management in Brandenburg of European regional development fund (ERDF) funding, the Investment bank (Landes-investitionsbank - ILB) is not responsible for the evaluation of the environmental impact of ERDF cofunded actions.

This function is in fact carried out by the Land environmental authorities. In the case of large projects (those with a total eligible cost over 15 or 25 MECU as the case may be), the written agreement of the Regional department of environment (Landesumweltamt) is required befor ERDF support can be given. In the case of smaller projects the ILB may only approve project payments on the basis of prior written approval by the environmental authorities (Landesumweltamt, Bauamt).