Answer given by Mr Sinkevičius on behalf of the European Commission

Member States are responsible for correctly transposing and implementing the provisions of the Habitats Directive[1], including those related to the management of Natura 2000 sites.

In particular, under Article 6(3) of the directive, if plans or projects are likely to have a significant effect on Natura 2000 sites, either individually or in combination with other plans or projects, an appropriate assessment of their implications for the site needs to be undertaken in view of the site’s conservation objectives.

The competent authorities can only agree to the plan or project after having ascertained that they do not adversely affect the integrity of the sites. These provisions must be transposed into the national legal order in a clear and precise manner and must be implemented with unquestionable binding force for all projects/plans even those that might be planned in ‘sub-areas’ within a Natura 2000 site.

The Commission , having analysed the Greek legal order, concluded that the current legal framework might not fully and adequately transpose all the obligations contained in Article 6(3) of the directive.

The Commission therefore requested clarifications from the Greek authorities and await their reply. In case the explanations provided would not demonstrate full and adequate transposition of Article 6(3) into the national legislation, the Commission may start an infringement procedure.

Finally, in order to comply with the recent ruling of the Court of Justice of the EU (Case C-849/19), Greece will need to establish adequate conservations objectives and measures for all special areas of conservation, according to the requirements of the directive.

• [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.