The European Commission decided to send a reasoned opinion to Greece (INFR(2014)4073) for not complying with the Habitats Directive (Directive 92/43/EEC) when planning wind farm projects. According to the directive, all plans and projects that are likely to have a significant impact on Natura 2000 sites must be subject to an appropriate assessment of their impacts on the sites.
However, the existing plan for renewables called “special framework for spatial planning and sustainable development for renewable energy resources” had been authorised without such an assessment having first been carried out. This means that projects are being authorised on the basis of a plan that does not comply with EU legislation. The European Green Deal and the Biodiversity Strategy for 2030 indicate that it is crucial for the EU to halt biodiversity loss by protecting and restoring biodiversity. The Commission sent a letter of formal notice to Greece in July 2014. Since then, the plan has still not been revised or subjected to the appropriate assessment, as required by the Habitats Directive. Despite the Commission’s offer of technical support, the procedure to revise the plan has still not been completed. Therefore, the Commission has decided to issue a reasoned opinion to Greece, which now has two months to respond and take the necessary measures. Otherwise, the Commission may decide to refer the case to the Court of Justice of the European Union.