Question for written answer E-001231/2018/rev.1 to the Commission Rule 130 Barbara Matera (PPE), Alessandra Mussolini (PPE), Lara Comi (PPE) and Fulvio Martusciello (PPE)

Subject: Offshore wind farm in the Gulf of

With an application received on 21 November 2017, Trevi Energy SpA formally requested the state maritime concession for the construction of an offshore wind farm less than seven miles off the coast of the Gulf of Manfredonia. This would involve the installation of 50 turbines, as well as the related work and infrastructure required to construct and operate the plant itself. Previously, in 2007, the Cesena-based company had presented a similar project for the construction of a wind farm. It was rejected in 2014 with a negative opinion from the Ministry of Cultural Heritage and the Ministry of the Environment. The proposed location for the wind farm is in one of the most beautiful areas in . It has been opposed by regional associations, who claim that the turbines would create visual pollution and negatively impact birdlife. There has also been a decisive ‘no’ from the Municipalities of , , , Monte Sant'Angelo, , Manfredonia, , Margherita di Savoia and Barletta.

In light of this, does the Commission believe that the construction and operation of this wind farm would comply with EU environmental legislation on the subject (above all, the provisions on the obligatory environmental impact assessment) and, if not, what measures does it intend to adopt to stop this wind farm from being built and, above all, to guarantee that the conflicting opinions already expressed publicly and formally by the affected municipalities, environmental groups and Park are duly taken into consideration?

1149310.EN PE 618.640