Work on the second track of the Capodistria-Divaccia rail link
13.4.2021
Question for written answer E-001962/2021
to the Commission
Rule 138
Elisabetta Gualmini (S&D)
According to press reports, work on the projected Capodistria-Divaccia ‘second track’, which was definitively approved by the Slovene Government on 24 January 2019, is scheduled to commence in May 2021.
However, the Friuli Venezia Giulia regional authorities and the Italian Government have been opposed from the outset because of concerns about the cross-border environmental impact.
On 25 January 2021, the Commission reported that the Slovenian authorities were complying with the relevant provisions of the Habitats Directive regarding a Natura 2000 site. However, no statutory cross-border consultations for Member States affected are as yet being organised.
In view of this:
- 1.Does the Commission not consider it necessary to step up safeguards and ensure that the works are closely monitored, especially given their close proximity to the Val Rosandra, a Natura 2000 site in Italy, not to mention the concerns being widely expressed regarding the environmental hazards associated with the project?
- 2.To what compensation will be the area be entitled under the European CEF programme, from which the project is receiving funding?
- 3.Is the loan granted by the European Investment Bank, amounting to EUR 250 million, in line with the ambitious environmental and other targets set out in the ‘EIB Group Climate Bank Roadmap 2021-2025’?