The European Commission has accused Poland of inaction following the environmental disaster on the Oder River
The European Commission believes that Poland has not taken sufficient measures to restore the Oder River following the major environmental disaster of 2022.
This is stated in a European Commission press release.
Brussels has decided to launch infringement proceedings against Poland for failing to fulfill its environmental obligations.
The European Commission emphasized that the condition of water bodies, natural habitats, and species in the country is deteriorating. In particular, in the summer of 2022, a massive fish die-off occurred in the Oder due to a toxic algal bloom.
Furthermore, the problem has not gone away: in 2024, over 100 tons of dead fish were again recorded in the river basin, and the water’s salinity remains elevated.
The Commission notes that Poland allowed the discharge of salty mine water into the river, despite the known negative impact of such actions, and the measures taken failed to halt the deterioration of the ecosystem.
Additionally, Warsaw has failed to ensure the proper restoration of protected natural areas and species and approved a river basin management plan without taking into account the consequences of the 2022 disaster.
The European Commission has already sent Poland a formal notice. The country has two months to respond and remedy the identified violations.
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