Czechs file complaint with EU over Polish coal mine expansion

Two Czech ministries have filed a complaint with the European Commission over Poland’s alleged failure to meet its legal obligations regarding its proposed expansion of a brown coal mine near the shared border.

The complaint, lodged by the ministries of the environment and foreign affairs, charges that Poland has refused to share the required information pertaining to its decision to expand the Turów mine.

The Czech Republic first protested against Poland’s plan in 2016, requesting information on the likely impact on water resources, agricultural land, and air and noise pollution.

According to the Polish zoning plan, the Turów mine would be extended by 14.6 hectares towards the shared border. Its proximity to one Czech village would then be just one kilometre.