§3.1 Stage 1: Screening

This first stage examines the likelihood of a plan or project having significant effects upon a Natura 2000 site, either alone or in combination with other plans or projects. If likely significant effects cannot be excluded beyond any reasonable doubt, the plan or project will have to undergo a full appropriate assessment under Article 6(3). The terms ‘plan’ and ‘project’ should be understood broadly. A project can involve construction works, installations and other interventions in the natural environment, including regular activities aimed at utilising natural resources. The term plan has also, for the purposes of Article 6(3), a potentially broad meaning, including land-use or spatial plans and sectoral plans (e.g. for transport, energy, waste management, water management, forest management, etc.). The Directive does not limit the scope of either a plan or a project to particular categories. The key trigger is whether they are likely to have a significant effect on a Natura 2000 site . See further details in the Article 6 Guide – sections 4.4.1 and 4.4.2. As a pre-assessment stage, screening can normally be based on already existing information, including expert opinions (e.g. of competent environmental authorities) or published material (e.g. habitat maps or species inventories), rather than requiring detailed new evidence to be collected. However, where sufficient information e.g. on the presence of protected habitats and species in the area potentially affected by a plan or project does not exist or is outdated, further data may have to be collected and analysed in order to determine whether or not there are likely to be significant effects. If the information does not exist, then the assumption has to be that there is a likelihood of significant effects and that an appropriate assessment is required. Screening needs to be carried out at an early stage, normally before all the details of a plan or project have been fixed, for instance when the location and general nature of a project are known but where the design process has not yet commenced. Early screening has several benefits: — It can reduce the risk of delays and additional costs later on, when the plan or project is submitted for development consent. — It allows early consultation and exchange of information between plan or project promoters, competent authorities and other stakeholders who have relevant data and expertise. — It enables the developer of a plan or project to better gauge the next steps that may be required, without investing a significant amount of time and money. — It makes it possible to identify and anticipate potential risks, both to Natura 2000 sites and to the plan or project itself, for example by highlighting the need for an alternative location or design for the plan or project to avoid any risk of damage, or by collecting further data to facilitate a timely assessment. Although key aspects of the initial planning should be clear, there should be also scope to adjust the plan or project. When a plan or project is screened at an early stage, the screening may need to be reviewed at a later stage when more details of the plan or project become available. The scope of the screening analysis may differ for plans and projects, depending on the scale of the development and the likely effects. The analysis comprises four steps: 1. ascertaining whether the plan or project is directly connected with or necessary to the management of a Natura 2000 site; 2. identifying the relevant elements of the plan or project and their likely impacts; 3. identifying which (if any) Natura 2000 sites may be affected, considering the potential effects of the plan or project alone or in combination with other plans or projects; 4. assessing whether likely significant effects on the Natura 2000 site can be ruled out, in view of the site's conservation objectives. The following sections present each of the four steps in further detail, along with the outcome of screening and related documentation. Table 1 below sets out the key differences between the screening and the appropriate assessment stages under Article 6(3) of the Habitats Directive. Screening Appropriate assessment Ascertains whether significant negative effects on a Natura 2000 site are likely as a result of implementing the plan or project in view of the site's conservation objectives. Assesses the likely effects on the Natura 2000 site in view of its conservation objectives and assesses whether adverse effects on the integrity of the site will or might occur. If the occurrence of significant effects cannot be excluded with certainty, the plan or project has to undergo an appropriate assessment. The plan or project can be authorised only if adverse effects on the integrity of the Natura 2000 site can be excluded. Typically based on existing data, available knowledge and experience, and expert opinion. Requires a detailed examination, often field surveys, expert advice, and an expert assessment of the specific case. Mitigation measures cannot be considered (15). Assesses mitigation measures to eliminate or reduce adverse effects.

← 3 · All articles · 3.1.1 →

Source: EUR-Lex (Cellar) · retrieved 2026-09-07