Question 25 July 2014 Catherine Bearder (ALDE-LibDems)
Subject: Environmental complaint by the Spanish Government against Gibraltar
On 13 November 2013, the Commission informed the UK Government that the Spanish Government had filed an environmental complaint concerning certain activities carried out, or regulated by, Her Majesty’s Government of Gibraltar in the British territorial sea adjacent to Gibraltar. The activities in question are bunkering, a reclamation project known as the Eastside Project, and the laying of an artificial reef. A copy of the Spanish complaint was passed on to the UK Government and a series of questions were raised based on the allegations made by the Spanish Government in its complaint.
On 14 March 2014, the UK Government passed on to the Commission the replies prepared by Her Majesty’s Government of Gibraltar.
Can the Commission explain why it is taking so long to take a position on this complaint, and can it indicate a date by when it intends to communicate its position to the concerned parties?
Answer 22 August 2014 Commissioner Potočnik
The Commission has considered all the information and standpoints provided by both Member States and, based on the evidence produced, was not able to identify any breach of EU environmental legislation. A more detailed note with the assessment and conclusions was sent out on 22 July 2014 to both parties.