RESOLUTION B3-1414, 1422, 1458 and 1490/92

The European Parliament,

A. profoundly alarmed at the growing tension in Central Europe which could threaten democratic renewal in this region,

B. having regard to the 1977 Treaty between Hungary and Czechoslovakia on the establishment of a dam and hydroelectric power station on the Danube,

C. having regard to Hungary's decision to withdraw from this Treaty with effect from 25 May 1992,

D. aware of the importance attached to this project by the Slovak Government and their proper desire to revive the Slovak economy,

E. aware of the state of the energy industry in Slovakia which necessitates the closure of obsolete and environmentally hazardous installations and a change of direction towards renewable forms of energy, and noting that energy-saving measures could make a significant contribution to resolving the region's energy supply problems,

F. whereas the construction work relating to the power stations is currently affecting whole tracts of countryside, thus potentially damaging the environment and endangering drinking water supplies,

G. conscious that if irreversible steps are taken the possible ill effects in terms of environmental impact will extend far beyond Slovakia,

H. having regard to the serious ecological and international political implications of this project which has been undertaken without any serious environmental impact assessment and without the populations concerned being adequately consulted,

I. pleased by the results of the negotiations between the Commission, the CSFR and Hungary in London on 28 October 1992,

1. Expresses its hope that the negotiations in London on 28 October 1992 will lead to the solution of the conflict and expects the judgement by an independent body of the results of the fact-finding mission to be binding for both parties;

2. Calls upon the Commission vigorously to support initiatives to seek a diplomatic solution to this conflict;

3. Calls on the Commission to carry out a comprehensive environmental impact assessment on the power station construction project, to be drawn up by independent environmental experts approved by both the Slovak and the Hungarian governments;

4. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Commission and Council, the governments of Czechoslovakia and Hungary, the Government of Slovakia, the United Nations and the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe.