RESOLUTION B3-0350, 0352, 0382, 0392 and 0428/93

Resolution on the construction of a power station at Gabcikovo-Nagymaros

The European Parliament,

A.having regard to the Commission statement of 16 February 1993 on its mediation in connection with the problems surrounding the Gabcikovo-Nagymaros dam,

B.noting the Commission proposals on the outstanding problems between the Slovak and Hungarian governments,

C.having regard to the outcome of the negotiations on the Commission proposals,

D.having regard to its resolution of 29 October 1992 on the Gabcikovo-Nagymaros power station construction project,

E.having regard to the consequences of the Gabcikovo construction work for nature and the environment,

F.having regard to the agreement in principle between the Hungarian and Slovak governments that the dispute should be referred to the International Court of Justice in The Hague,

1.Expresses its concern at the deadlock which has arisen owing to the lack of progress in solving the problem of temporary water management, which means that proceedings in the International Court of Justice cannot commence, and calls upon the Hungarian and Slovak governments to immediately continue with the procedure;

2.Requests the Commission to provide further information on the progress of the discussions at the highest political level, as arranged on 16 February 1993;

3.Reiterates its concern about the possible growing tensions in this area as a consequence of the conflict;

4.Welcomes the Commission's willingness to continue to act as mediator;

5.Calls on the parties to the dispute to abide by the Community's proposals of 16 February 1993;

6.Urges the Slovak government to adopt a more flexible approach and to cooperate in finding solutions to the outstanding problems;

7.Calls on the Commission to ensure, with a view to preventing further environmental damage, as the growing season is rapidly approaching, that provisional arrangements are made for the water supply, with joint control by the Hungarians and Slovaks;

8.Requests the Commission to investigate further the possibilities of financial aid to Slovakia to compensate any reduction in its energy production;

9.Calls on the Commission to have a thorough environmental impact assessment of the project carried out by independent experts, including the construction work already done, and to have an exhaustive study made of the effects on navigation, energy production and other relevant aspects of the project;

10.Calls on the Commission to present proposals for an international nature protection area in the unique wetlands around the Danube in the Hungarian-Slovak border area, involving national and international governmental and non-governmental organizations in its management;

11.Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Commission, the Council, the governments of Slovakia, Hungary, the Czech Republic, the CSCE and the Council of Europe.