Commission set for verdict on Spanish river drain plan

Date: 21/03/02

THE European Commission is due to state next week if contentious plans to drain part of Spain's biggest river so that water can be transported to its drought-ridden areas could breach EU environment legislation.

Fifteen complaints have been filed with the Commission by opponents of the national hydrological plan (NHP). Implementing the scheme is projected to cost

€23.5 billion, with José María Aznar's government expected to request about one-third of that sum from the EU's cohesion and structural funds.

Dutch Green MEP Alexander de Roo has asked the Commission to explain whether the plan would comply with laws protecting natural habitats and wild birds. It is expected to reply at next week's European Parliament environment committee meeting.

While the NHP is based on constructing a network of dams and reservoirs throughout Spain, its most controversial aspect involves pumping water from the River Ebro to Barcelona and the south-eastern coastline. Environmentalists contend that the developments would severely damage one of the most important areas for flora and fauna in the Iberian peninsula.

The Ebro delta is recognised by the EU as a special protection area and is listed under the Natura 2000 network of ecologically sensitive areas. It hosts 77 rare species of animals and plants and more than 350 types of birds.

Maria Jesús Garcia Celma, a campaigner with the Platform for Defence of the River Ebro, believes the Spanish presidency's recent statements committing itself to the EU's sustainable development strategy ring hollow while Madrid pushes the NHP. She is urging the Commission to turn down Aznar's request for funding the project in its current shape.

'We have a lot of confidence in the Commission, especially as we have presented them with good arguments,' she said.

'But if the Commission says no to us and gives the money to the government, then we will be very disappointed. We will think there is no justice in the world.'

The European Commission is due to state if contentious plans to drain part of Spain's biggest river so that water can be transported to its drought-ridden areas could breach EU environmental legislation.