Restoration and management of the Natura 2000 network in Galicia following the fires

Question for written answer E-003312/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Nicolás González Casares (S&D)

The Commission has for a number of years been pursuing infringement proceedings against Spain that relate, in particular, to the management of the Natura 2000 network in Galicia: the Master Plan does not meet the EU requirements, it does not lay down sufficiently detailed conservation objectives and measures, and the area protected is much smaller than the national average[1]. Moreover, recent fires have devastated parts of the Natura 2000 network, such as the Macizo Central SAC, the Pena Trevinca SAC and other areas, exacerbating the repercussions of poor management and inadequate planning. Delaying the infringement proceedings for so many years and tolerating the lack of a robust conservation framework may be causing irreparable damage to the natural heritage the Natura 2000 network is designed to protect.

• 1.Does the Commission believe that the current management of the Natura 2000 network in Galicia is in line with EU legislation, in particular the Habitats Directive and the objectives of the Master Plan?
• 2.Does it believe that more concrete and better structured planning in protected areas - integrating specific fire prevention and fire-fighting measures - could significantly improve the capacity to prevent and put out fires in the Natura 2000 network?[2]

Submitted: 27.8.2025

• [1] https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/E-9-2023-001437-ASW_EN.html.
• [2] https://www.researchgate.net/publication/368601612_Los_incendios_en_la_Red_Natura_2000_situacion_prevencion_y_propuestas_para_una_gestion_integral?utm.