Source: European Parliament
The Commission has not been made aware of the project referred to by the Honourable Member but is aware of the importance of protecting natural habitats and species of European and international interest, such as the ecosystems hosted by Lake Trichonida.
The protection of these ecosystems is governed by EU legislation, specifically the Habitats Directive[1] and the Birds Directive[2]. Under Article 6 of the Habitats Directive, if the project is likely to have a significant negative effect on a Natura 2000 site, the competent authorities must conduct an appropriate assessment of its implications for the site in view of its conservation objectives[3].
The project also falls under Annex II[4] to the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Directive[5]. For such projects, there is no automatic obligation for an EIA. Member States have to determine, through a case-by-case examination, by applying thresholds or criteria, or a combination of both, if the project is likely to have significant effects on the environment. If this is the case, an EIA has to be carried out. For projects for which it is determined that an assessment is not required, the determination must be made available to the public and specify the main reasons for not requiring such assessment.
Under the Water Framework Directive[6], it should be ensured that Article 4(7), concerning new modifications to the physical characteristics of a surface water body, is considered.
The primary responsibility for ensuring that renewable energy projects are developed in full compliance with EU law lies with the Greek authorities.
- [1] 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, p. 7-50.
- [2] Directive 2009/147/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 November 2009 on the conservation of wild birds (Codified version). OJ L 20, 26.1.2010, p. 7-25.
- [3] Commission’s guidance document: Guidance on the requirements for hydropower in relation to EU nature legislation, Publications Office of the European Union, 2018, https://data.europa.eu/doi/10.2779/43645.
- [4] Point 10(g).
- [5] Directive 2011/92/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 December 2011 on the assessment of the effects of certain public and private projects on the environment, OJ L 26, 28.1.2012, p. 1-21, as amended by Directive 2014/52/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 April 2014, OJ L 124, 25.4.2014, p. 1-18.
- [6] Directive 2000/60/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2000 establishing a framework for Community action in the field of water policy, OJ L 327, 22.12.2000, p. 1-73.