Question for written answer E-000853/2021 to the Commission Rule 138 Dietmar Köster (S&D)

Subject: Investigations in Kara Tepe camp

On 23 January 2021, the Greek Government presented vague results from the investigation into lead levels at Kara Tepe camp. It confirmed that the investigation was commissioned on 24 November 2020 in agreement with the Commission, and that the results were sent to the Greek authorities on 8 December 2020. It also stated that an experts' committee appointed by the European Asylum Support Office (EASO) conducted a field visit during the installation phase of the camp.

No timeframe and no progress has been reported so far when it comes to protective measures, except for the installation of an embankment and additional gravelling of the area. Further measures, including additional sampling, have not yet been taken.

1. When exactly was the Commission informed about the results of the soil sampling and what did the assessment by EASO entail?

2. How does it ensure that residents are not exposed to potentially harmful levels of lead in a camp that it financially supports?

3. Given that the World Health Organization has mentioned that all levels of exposure to lead can have harmful health effects, and that the threshold for lead exposure for kindergarten and school areas is at 100 mg/kg, why have the residents of the Kara Tepe camp not been evacuated?

Supporters1

1 This question is supported by Members other than the author: (), Tineke Strik (Verts/ALE), (S&D), Miguel Urbán Crespo (The Left), (S&D), (S&D), Domènec Ruiz Devesa (S&D), Maria Arena (S&D), (S&D), (S&D), (S&D), Özlem Demirel (The Left), (S&D), Raphaël Glucksmann (S&D)

PE689.161v01-00