Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-001078/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Maria Zacharia (NI)
Lake Trichonida, covering an area of 98.6 square kilometres (km2), is the largest lake in Greece and the ecosystems it hosts have been designated Special Area of Conservation (SAC) GR2310009, Special Protection Area (SPA) GR2310013, Important Bird Area (IBA) GR091, Wildlife Refuge (WRF) and Corine Biotope, while it is also in constant interaction with the ecosystems of Panaitoliko, Arakynthos, the mountains of Nafpaktia, the Achelous and Dimikos rivers, the Agrinio plain, Makryneia, the lakes of Amvrakia and Lysimachia, the Ambracian Gulf and the Missolonghi lagoon (Ramsar wetlands), so that any environmental degradation or destruction in one of them will also affect the others.
Recently, residents have been confronted by the intention of construction companies to convert the lake into an ‘energy centre’ by building more pumped storage units, while an Environmental Impact Study has already been submitted for licensing for the construction of a pumping station project with a capacity of five million cubic metres of water. Such a change will be a springboard for the general degradation of the natural environment of the area, with social and economic implications.
In view of the above:
- 1.Is the Commission aware of the programme to convert a rare habitat into an ‘energy centre’?
- 2.What does the Commission intend to do to prevent the destruction of the largest wetland of European and international interest in Greece?
Submitted: 12.3.2025