1. EIA Directive Transport projects and project modifications Cohesion Fund Workshop 24-25 February 2005, Prague European Commission DG Environment – Unit D3

2. Cohesion Fund Workshop - Prague, 24-25 February 20052 The Commission scrutinises all applications to ensure all relevant laws are observed. DG Env examines certain projects to ensure the environmental directives have been properly applied.

3. Cohesion Fund Workshop - Prague, 24-25 February 20053 Problems Modernisation schemes (railway tracks, signalling) Upgrading (higher speed) Widening (roads or railways) How should these be treated for EIA?

4. Cohesion Fund Workshop - Prague, 24-25 February 20054 Transport projects frequent issues Salami slicing splitting projects into sub- sections so that they fall below screening thresholds Project splitting dividing projects up to reduce alternatives Result: projects could damage the environment and exceed MSs discretion.

5. Cohesion Fund Workshop - Prague, 24-25 February 20055 Transport projects - tips Cumulative effects of projects must be considered: 1.in screening 2.in the environmental information (report) EIA must cover alternatives –addressed in the environmental information –included in the NTS –public consulted on them (but in future, SEA may encourage more radical choices to be explored).

6. Cohesion Fund Workshop - Prague, 24-25 February 20056 Project Modifications Annex II (13) Changes or extensions of Annex I and II projects that may have significant adverse effects on the environment After June 05 Annex I (22) changes or extensions of Annex I projects meeting Annex I thresholds (if any) Annex II (13) changes or extensions of Annex I and II projects that may have significant adverse effects on the environment not included in Annex I

7. Cohesion Fund Workshop - Prague, 24-25 February 20057 Project Modifications - tips Upgrading of roads, railways C- 227/01 Comm v Spain Consider short term effects, too construction phase From June 2005 take account of both Annex I (22) or Annex II(13) Always use environmental significance of effects as the guiding principle !