Czechs to seek EU opinion on expansion of Polish coal mine

The Czech Republic will ask the European Commission to review the proposed enlargement of Poland’s Turow coal mine, near the shared border, Environment Minister Richard Brabec (ANO) told journalists.

Among other environmental concerns, Czechs living in the region fear that the Torow mine, which is to be gradually expanded to 30 square kilometres, will impact the quality of the air and drinking water.

The Foreign Ministry is drafting the motion, Brabec said, noting that Poland has not provided relevant information. Depending on what EC review says, the Czech environment and foreign ministries many propose further steps, such as a complaint to the European Court of Justice.