Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-000780/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Diana Riba i Giner (Verts/ALE)
The Valencian Government intends to amend Law 5/2018 on the Horta of Valencia to reclassify protected areas and allow construction in zones affected by the catastrophe produced by the DANA storm. The Horta of València is a historic agricultural system recognised by the FAO and plays a key role in food production, environmental sustainability and Valencian cultural heritage. The EU’s Natura 2000 network protects some parts of this area, which is covered by Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC) and the Birds Directive (2009/147/EC), requiring impact assessments to prevent habitat degradation. Additional laws, such as the Environmental Impact Assessment Directive (2011/92/EU), ensure compliance. Any land reclassification affecting these sites should align with EU environmental regulations.
Given the EU’s commitment to environmental protection, we would like clarification on the following:
- 1.Does the Commission think that this land reclassification aligns with EU directives on conserving traditional landscapes and ensuring climate resilience in vulnerable areas?
- 2.What will the Commission do to protect the Natura 2000 sites and peri-urban green spaces in the Valencian Country?
- 3.Can the Commission also specify the mechanisms in place to monitor this situation and act if EU environmental legislation is at risk of being infringed?
Submitted: 20.2.2025