Poland has recently authorized the extension of mining at the Turow lignite mine, located near the Czech and German borders, until 2044. The decision has raised concerns among environmental organizations, which claim that the environmental impact assessment (EIA) conducted in the Czech Republic, Poland, and Germany was incorrect.

The decision has come as a surprise to the Czech Environment Ministry, which confirmed the news to CTK. According to the ministry, Poland authorized the extension of mining until 2044, with a decision by its climate and environment minister from 17 February. The ministry’s spokeswoman also informed journalists that environmental NGOs could file an official complaint about the decision.

Representatives of the Liberec Region, which adjoins the Turow mine, have stated that they do not yet have any information on the extension decision. Meanwhile, environmental organizations have released a joint statement criticizing the decision, alleging that it was based on an incorrect EIA.

Poland has argued that the extension of mining will create jobs and improve macroeconomic indicators. It has also assessed the influence of the mine on the outflow of water from the Czech Republic as negligible. However, ecologists claim that the municipalities on the Czech side of the border are losing groundwater due to the mine’s proximity.

The environmental organizations assert that “With the continued mining, Poland is destroying the environment, violating European law.” Nikol Krejcova, a representative from Czech Greenpeace, added that “The pact with the Czech Republic is covering up this behaviour. The Czech government has sold the interests of its citizens and environment for CZK 1 billion.”

Furthermore, environmentalists claim that the Czech government keeps the data on underground water a secret, and water keeps disappearing from the Czech territory. They hope that the European Commission will act on their complaint and stand up for the environment and the local population.

In February last year, the prime ministers of the Czech Republic and Poland signed a bilateral agreement on the impact of mining in Turow, including EUR 45 million in compensation for the damage caused and a five-year supervision conducted by the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU). Following the agreement, the Czech Republic withdrew the lawsuit it had filed with the CJEU.

In conclusion, Poland’s decision to extend mining at the Turow lignite mine until 2044 has caused concern among environmental organizations. The decision has been criticized for its alleged incorrect EIA, which could lead to the destruction of the environment and violation of European law. However, the bilateral agreement signed by the Czech and Polish prime ministers last year includes compensation for damage caused and a five-year supervision by the CJEU. The environmental organizations hope that their complaint to the European Commission will result in a positive outcome for the environment and the local population.

Article by Prague Forum