Fuel spills in EU waters off Gibraltar

Question for written answer  E-001077/2021
to the Commission
Rule 138
Jorge Buxadé Villalba (ECR)

The bunkering on floating refuelling platforms that the colony of Gibraltar carries out in Spanish waters which it de facto controls in breach of international law is posing a serious environmental problem, as many boats refuel in the colony in order to avoid tax. One such operation, on 12 February 2021, led to a significant spillage of fuel as a result of a technical failure in a ventilation valve. During the incident, the Gibraltar authorities prevented the Spanish authorities from working to contain the spill. These events, which are taking place in EU waters, prompt the following questions:

• 1.Is the Commission aware of these events? If so, what measures have been or will be taken to address them?
• 2.Are these refuelling operations consistent with EU environmental law?