Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-002094/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Sakis Arnaoutoglou (S&D)
In recent years, according to the Institute of Mediterranean Forest Ecosystems, a large number of fir and plane trees have been drying out in many mountainous areas of mainland Greece, with Tzoumerka, the Acheloos valley and Agrafa being typical examples. This phenomenon is a major concern for local communities and scientists, as it affects forest ecosystems, threatens biodiversity and increases the risk of fires and desertification.
The fact that fir and plane trees are drying out appears to be related both to the effects of climate change (prolonged droughts, extreme temperatures) and to biotic factors, such as attacks by bark-eating insects and fungi. However, to date, neither a single monitoring mechanism nor a coordinated response has been implemented at European level.
In the light of the above, can the Commission answer the following:
- 1.Does it monitor the widespread phenomenon of fir and plane trees drying out in EU Member States, in particular in mountainous areas such as Tzoumerka, the Acheloos valley and Agrafa?
- 2.Are there any European funding tools that can be used to research, prevent and tackle this phenomenon in these regions?
- 3.Does it intend to strengthen cooperation with the Member States to set up early warning and intervention mechanisms to protect forest ecosystems from the consequences of the climate crisis?
Submitted: 26.5.2025