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Czech gov't wants EU court to fine Poland over lignite mine

08.06.2021 14:30
The Czech government has said it will call on Europe’s top court to fine Poland EUR 5 million daily for not complying with an order to halt extraction at its Turów lignite mine.
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  • Audio report: Czech Republic wants EU court to fine Poland over lignite mine
Polish government spokesman Piotr Mller.
Polish government spokesman Piotr Müller.Photo: PAP/Rafał Guz

In March, the Czech Republic filed for an injunction with the European Court of Justice, saying the Turów open-cast mine on the Polish-Czech border was draining groundwater away from surrounding areas and harming Czech citizens.

The Turów mine, run by Poland’s state-run energy company PGE, continues to operate despite a ruling by the European Court of Justice to stop mining activities immediately until a final judgement is delivered.

Elektrownia w Turowie The Turów power plant and open-pit brown coal mine in southwestern Poland. Photo: PAP/Maciej Kulczyński

Poland’s government spokesman Piotr Müller said on Tuesday that the Czech government had adopted a negotiation procedure to terminate the dispute and ensure a speedy deal between the two neighbouring countries.

Radio Poland's Agnieszka Bielawska has the story.

Click on the audio player above to listen.