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Poland files complaint with EC against Germany over 35 tons of illegal garbage, says Polish minister

26.07.2023 13:45
Poland has officially lodged a complaint with the European Commission (EC) against Germany for the alleged illegal importation of 35,000 tons of waste into Polish territory, Climate and Environment Minister Anna Moskwa announced on Tuesday.
Audio
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Photo:PAP/Zbigniew Meissner

Addressing the press in Warsaw, Moskwa stated that this formal complaint marks the initial step in the legal proceedings that will be pursued before the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU).

According to Polish authorities, the waste in question was illicitly transported and deposited within seven landfills located within its borders, all originating from Germany. The country claims to have repeatedly engaged in communication at both state and federal levels with its western neighbor, urging the prompt removal of the unauthorized waste from Polish soil.

"We have been left with no choice. We are following the path dictated by European law, utilizing a complaint to the EC as the primary stage in proceedings before the Court of Justice," Moskwa said.

She further appealed to the "very green German government" to promptly address the situation and take full responsibility. She highlighted the burden placed on Polish taxpayers due to the expenses associated with the management and handling of the imported waste.

"We cannot afford to bear the cost of exporting and managing German waste on our own," asserted the minister.

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Source: PAP

Click on the audio player above for a report by Radio Poland's Michał Owczarek