Construction of wind turbines in areas of the Reichswald

Question for written answer E-003284/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Jeroen Lenaers (PPE)

The Düsseldorf district government has earmarked specific areas in the Reichswald forest, near the Dutch border, for the construction of wind turbines. One of these areas had previously been excluded, in 2016, owing to the scientifically established high densities of birds of prey.

In spite of this, the site was re-designated this year as a priority wind energy acceleration area. This means that the issuing of building permits can be expedited.

Both Dutch and German municipalities along the border have expressed concerns about the potential impact of this wind farm on nature and the environment. Moreover, no information was provided to the Dutch authorities despite the cross-border impact of the project.

• 1.Does the Commission consider that, despite the previously established ecological importance and the exclusion in 2016, it is permissible to re-designate this site for the construction of wind turbines?
• 2.Can the Commission confirm that, under Article 7 of Directive 2011/92/EU, the Netherlands has the right to request an environmental impact assessment for this project in the event of cross-border effects on the environment, and that Germany is obliged to inform the Netherlands in good time and to offer the authorities and the public a say?
• 3.Can the Commission also confirm that the designation as an 'acceleration area' should not affect the obligation to carry out an environmental impact assessment and the application of Article 7 if another Member State requests an impact assessment?

Submitted: 25.8.2025