Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-001168/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Sakis Arnaoutoglou (S&D)
Marathonisi, one of the most valuable habitats of the Caretta caretta sea turtle in the Mediterranean, is directly threatened by illegal construction work. Despite the area’s strict legal protection status, the Zakynthos Building Service issued a building permit ignoring the presidential decree prohibiting construction in the area. The work, which includes deforestation, construction of a platform and the use of heavy machinery, has devastated the natural environment, stripped land and violated the park’s protection conditions, causing serious disruption to the ecosystem and threatening the Caretta caretta nesting season.
In view of the above and given that Marathonisi is part of the Natura 2000 network and is protected by the Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC):
- 1.Does the Commission consider that the issuance of the building permit and the construction work constitute a breach of EU environmental legislation?
- 2.Does the Commission intend to investigate the complaints and seek explanations from the Greek authorities?
- 3.How does the Commission intend to strengthen the monitoring and implementation of European environmental legislation in Greece in order to prevent similar illegal interference?
Submitted: 19.3.2025