Written question – Compatibility of Barcelona airport’s expansion with EU environmental law – E-002480/2025

Question for written answer  E-002480/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Isabel Serra Sánchez (The Left)

On 10 June 2025, an agreement was reached between the Government of Catalonia, AENA and the Ministry of Transport on the expansion of Barcelona-El Prat Airport. The agreement legalises the destruction of part of the Natura 2000 Network, La Ricarda, thus constituting a failure to comply with the Commission’s 2021 letter of formal notice, which marked the opening of an infringement procedure.

In addition, the aim of the expansion is to increase air traffic, which would increase CO₂ emissions – this runs counter to greenhouse gas reduction policies adopted by the EU.

Therefore:

• 1.What measures will the Commission adopt in relation to this project to guarantee compliance with EU law in protecting the Natura 2000 network?
• 2.How will the expansion of Barcelona-El Prat airport affect compliance with the targets established in Directive (EU) 2023/958 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 10 May 2023 amending Directive 2003/87/EC?

Submitted: 19.6.2025