Source: European Parliament
The Commission was not aware of the alleged problematic functioning of the coal mine in Achlada.
Industrial installations for the extraction of coal are listed in Annex II (point 2.e) of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Directive[1].
According to Article 4 of the EIA Directive , prior to granting a consent for such projects, Member States are required to determine whether an environmental impact assessment is necessary, based on a case-by-case analysis or by setting specific criteria (such as the location, size or type of a project). Should such an assessment be required it would examine the impacts of the project on various elements, including on air quality.
Member States are primarily responsible to ensure compliance with EU law, including verifying individual cases of potential breach of the relevant rules, and taking the necessary steps for enforcement and the appropriate measures to address any matter that has arisen.
In the present case, the competent Greek authorities should verify whether the private company operating the mine complies with the permit that was granted to it, and in particular with any environmental conditions imposed.
It should be stressed that human health protection aspects shall be fully taken into account in the permitting phase, including at the stages of granting, reviewing and updating of permits.
- [1] Directive 2011/92/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 December 2011 on the assessment of the effects of certain public and private projects on the environment, OJ L 26, 28.1.2012, p. 1-21, as amended by Directive 2014/52/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 April 2014, OJ L 124, 25.4.2014, p. 1-18.