Commission requests Portugal to ensure coastal developments comply with habitat protection rules

EUROPA - Press Releases - Environment: Commission requests Portugal to ensure coastal developments comply with habitat protection rules: "The European Commission is requesting Portugal to ensure that coastal developments in sensitive natural areas are fully compliant with EU environmental protection law. The Commission is concerned that planning permission has been granted for two substantial developments in protected natural areas in the Alcácer/Grândola districts in the north of Alentejo, inside an area known as Comporta-Galé, part of Europe’s Natura 2000 network, despite projected negative effects. If the planned developments go ahead unchanged, sensitive protected areas could be lost forever. The case has important implications, as further more similar developments in the region are also under consideration. Portugal has two months to comply with the request, which takes the form of a reasoned opinion under EU infringement procedures, failing which the Commission may refer Portugal to the EU's Court of Justice."