MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Use of EU funds by the Regional Government of Galicia in heritage protection areas incompatible with other local authority projects – E-000337/2025

Question for written answer  E-000337/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Nicolás González Casares (S&D)

Local authorities are using EU funds to build a cycle path through a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the area around the Banquete de Conxo Forest. The project involves building on important parts of the natural area, in the same place where Santiago de Compostela Council has launched a project to restore the natural environment.

The project not only breaches important heritage protections, but also runs counter to the aims of the project implemented by the local authorities. This may mean EU funds are being used improperly, even leading the EPPO to open a case to look into the matter.

• 1.Is the Commission aware of the dual contradicting uses of EU funds in this case, and in the Commission’s view, what consequences could that contradicting use of funds in a single area have?
• 2.Are there specific safeguards for using funds in areas under certified heritage protection?
• 3.What specific tools does the Commission have or plan to introduce to avoid similar situations arising in the future?

Submitted: 27.1.2025