Peter Barry
Ceist:55 Mr. Barry asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if any assessment has been made on the effects on the European Community of the problems associated with dirty industries in East Germany.
Written Answers. - German Environmental Problems.
The whole process of German unification, which constitutes a very welcome development for Germany, for the European Community and for Europe as a whole, has been, and will continue to be, the subject of extensive examination within the Community. As part of this examination, the Commission has produced a report on the implications for the Community of German unification.
The Commission's study identifies the environment as an area requiring particular attention. It notes that heavily polluting industries will have to be fitted with pollution control equipment and that new projects will be needed to enable East Germany to meet Community standards.
I should add that environment is one of the four priority areas identified by the group of 24 for its programme of assistance which it is intended to extend to the German Democratic Republic and to other countries in Eastern and Central Europe. Environment is also one of the areas for co-operation listed in the Trade and Economic Co-operation Agreement between the Community and the German Democratic Republic, signed in Brussels this morning.