Appeal to the government of Poland concerning Rospuda Valley
On behalf of all non-governmental organisations committed to the protection of Rospuda Valley, we appeal once again to the Polish authorities, in particular to the government, to postpone all planned construction work within the Natura 2000 site after August 1, when the breeding season ends.
When it became a member of the European Union, Poland took on the obligation of following European law. As it has been designed by the authorities, the present routing of the Augustow bypass has been questioned by the European Commission. A final judgment on this case will be given by the European Court of Justice (ECJ).
We believe that all the parties in this dispute want to avoid internal and external conflicts. Therefore we appeal to the Polish authorities to postpone the construction work in the Rospuda Valley until the ECJ takes a decision on the case. The commencement of the construction work questioned by the European Commission before the ECJ judgment can only cause unnecessary public tensions as well as create a negative impression of Poland as a country. It may also result in heavy formal repercussions for Poland, including financial fines. We hope that the Polish authorities taking the decision in question will ensure public safety and social calmness, and at the same time will meet our commitments towards the European Union.
Once again we highlight the existence of an alternative solution for routing the Augustów bypass, one which is in compliance with the law and is reconcilable with the needs of road development and nature protection.
This appeal was launched yesterday during a press conference in Warsaw and was backed by groups including: CEE Bankwatch Network, wwf, Greenpeace, OTOP and the Workshop of All Beings.