Protection of bee-keeping and primary production on the island of Evia

Question for written answer E-002051/2024
to the Commission
Rule 144
Konstantinos Arvanitis (The Left)

In the Regional Unit of Evia, in Greece, an intervention of enormous proportions in the natural, anthropogenic and productive environment is being carried out through the installation of a huge number of wind turbines. Specifically, although Evia accounts for barely 2.79% of Greek territory, it is host to 25.85% of the wind turbines already installed (28% of the installed capacity), a clear testament to the disproportion, unequal distribution and overall burden on the region. Moreover, forest fires (particularly in 2021) have destroyed a total of 51 200 hectares, 74% of which were forests and woodlands. The consequences of the extensive energy interventions and the forest fires are catastrophic for the environment and disincentivise any other beneficial activity in the region.

In view of the fact that: (a) the region is home to an abundance of primary activity (bee-keeping, livestock rearing, resin tapping and logging); (b) bee-keeping is facing enormous environmental risks due to climate change and receives special protection from EU legislation; and (c) 80% of cultivated and wild plants are dependent on animal pollinators, chief among them bees:

• 1.Has the Commission carried out checks on the compatibility of installing new wind turbines with the EU standards for the protection of bees and of the environment in general?
• 2.If infringements of the applicable EU law are identified, how does the Commission intend to intervene?
• 3.Does it intend to revise the regulatory framework and the energy development model to give more effective protection to the natural environment, in view of the threat posed by the climate crisis?

Submitted: 14.10.2024