Press Release: Environment: Commission takes Poland to Court over nitrates and water pollution

The European Commission referred Poland to the EU Court of Justice on the 24 January 2013 for failing to guarantee that water pollution by nitrates is addressed effectively.

Europe has strong legislation on pollution from nitrates, and although the requirements have been applicable in Poland since 2004, too little has been done. Poland has still has not designated a sufficient number of zones that are vulnerable to nitrates pollution, and measures to effectively combat nitrates pollution in these zones have not been adopted.

On the recommendation of Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik, the Commission is therefore taking Poland to the EU Court of Justice.