Select a project of interest on the map

Białystok airport

This project in northeastern Poland has been criticised by local environmental groups for the damage it presents to the world-famous Biebrza and Narew national parks and their unique bird populations. The clashes with important bird areas also implies flight safety concerns due to probable collisions between planes and birds. In early 2011 the project’s environmental decision was revoked, and a new environmental impact assessment is under way to consider other project locations.

S3 expressway Szczecin–Gorzów

This 81-kilometre expressway is an exemplary case of disregard for EU environmental law. Having damaged NATURA 2000 habitats and facing action from the Commission, Polish authorities applied for a new environmental decision that included compensation measures and new NATURA 2000 sites elsewhere. However this decision is not yet in place, meaning that construction is operating without valid permission. Also this does address the absence of proper alternative assessments as required by the Habitats directive.

Modlin airport

The project will redevelop a former military airport near Warsaw to supplement the main Warsaw airport with charter, low-cost and cargo operations. Situated near the confluence of two major rivers – the Narew and Vistula – the airport is located at a key stopover site for migrating birds and several NATURA 2000 sites. Not only will the airport impact the surrounding environment but also may pose flight safety risks from likely collisions with birds. As the project’s environmental decision was upheld in Polish courts and airport construction is underway, only the Commission can now ensure compliance with EU legislation.

S19 expressway

The proposed ‘Via Carpatia’ expressway in eastern Poland will cross a particularly rich region of natural areas and several NATURA 2000 sites. Any new section of ‘Via Carpatia’ should be carefully assessed for its impact on ecosystems and ecological corridors and, as in the case of Via Baltica, sound analyses should be the basis for alternative routes.

Kraków waste incinerator

Project costs of the 240000 tonne Krakow waste incinerator have risen year after year and are now almost twice as when originally proposed. The project will lock the city into an expensive waste management system and disadvantage recycling, as the incinerator requires a constant supply of mixed municipal waste. This will contribute to keeping recycling rates low. Similar EU funds investments for waste incinerators are currently being prepared in several other Polish cities.