Czech, Poland begin talks over controversial Turów coal mine near border

Negotiations between the Czech Republic and Poland over the latter country’s Turów lignite mine near the shared border began on Thursday.

The Czech government has petitioned the European Union’s Court of Justice to fine Poland EUR 5 million for each day it continues to mine coal from the mine, which it says is contaminating water supplies.

The court last month ordered Poland to suspend mining at Turów, but Poland has thus far ignored the ruling. Thursday’s discussion aims to agree conditions under which the Czech side would be willing to withdraw its lawsuit.

In that context, Environment Minister Richard Brabec (ANO) said the quality and decline of groundwater, increase in noise and dust, shocks and settlement of terrain, especially in the Liberec region, are all matters of concern.