[EGP] EGP PRESS RELEASE : EP resolution on natural disasters in Europe and forest fires in Greece

05.09.2007

European Greens welcome European Parliament resolution which aims to put an end to links between forest fires and property development

Green Group in European Parliament achieve support for important amendments

The Spokespersons of the European Green Party today congratulated the Green Group in the European Parliament for winning approval for important Green amendments to a resolution adopted on Tuesday 4^th September on natural disasters in Europe and this summer’s forest fires in Greece.

EGP Co-Spokesperson Philippe Lamberts said: “The Green Group managed to win support for a crucial amendment calling on the Greek parliament not to approve any changes to the Greek constitution which would allow the rezoning of former forested land for development. This amendment was a result of cooperation between the Greek Greens (Green Ecologists) and the Green Group in the European Parliament. It is very encouraging to see how the Green Ecologists have been able to influence EU politics despite not yet having any MEPs. This type of cooperation is one of the great achievements of the EGP.”

EGP Co-Spokesperson Ulrike Lunacek continued: “Another important point which the Green Group in the European Parliament succeeded in having included in the resolution passed on Tuesday was the proposal that all reforestation programmes must comply with quality standards. The Green Group also won support for another vital amendment which calls for the repayment of all European Community aid which has been used improperly, for example, for developing land which should have been zoned for reforestation. The EU’s member states have a responsibility to ensure that funds given by the EU in aid are used for the intended purpose and not misused.”

Graham Burgess

Communications Officer

European Green Party

Tel no :+32 2 626 0724

Mobile:+32 477 902 023

email:graham.burgess@europeangreens.org