Two Greek MEPs have asked the European Commission to intervene over the systematic burning of agricultural waste in rice fields on the Turkish side of the Evros River, warning that the practice causes air pollution and threatens public health and fragile ecosystems in northeastern Greece.
New Democracy and European People’s Party (EPP) MEPs Freddy Beleris and Dimitris Tsiodras submitted a joint parliamentary question calling on the Commission to examine the cross-border effects of the burning and seek concrete measures from the Turkish authorities to limit air and water pollution.
The MEPs say recurring pollution episodes particularly affect Greece’s Evros regional unit, where smoke from burning crop residues reduces air quality and exposes residents of border communities to potential health risks.
They also warn that the consequences extend beyond the immediate border area. Run-off can carry combustion residues and other pollutants into the Evros River, its delta ecosystem and coastal waters in the northeastern Aegean, potentially affecting biodiversity, fisheries and public health.
Beleris and Tsiodras highlight the impact on towns, settlements and farming communities that face the consequences of activities taking place beyond Greece’s borders. They also stress the importance of protecting the natural environment to the local economy, fishing activity and residents’ quality of life.
MEPs point to Turkey’s EU candidate status
The two MEPs argue that Turkey’s status as an EU candidate country makes it important to address the environmental commitments associated with the accession process and prevent practices that could endanger residents and the Evros ecosystem.
In their written question, they ask the European Commission whether it will investigate the cross-border impact of crop-residue burning in Turkey and request information from the relevant Turkish authorities about measures to reduce air and water pollution affecting Greek border regions.
They also ask what steps the Commission intends to take within the framework of EU-Turkey relations and the accession process to protect public health and cross-border ecosystems effectively, with particular attention to residents of the Evros region.
The parliamentary intervention seeks a response from the Commission on both the environmental consequences of the practice and the action it could pursue through its relations with Turkey.
(Source: AMNA)
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