Ecological disaster in the Oder River

Priority question for written answer  P-002823/2022
to the Commission
Rule 138
Marek Belka (S&D)

The damage caused by the environmental catastrophe in the Oder is currently being assessed in Poland. The catastrophe affects almost 500 kilometres of the river and its causes are still unknown.

However, anglers near Oława began reporting that they had observed dead fish as early as late July. Since then, dozens, if not hundreds, of tonnes of dead fish have already been caught. According to numerous ecologists, the flora and fauna around the river may take decades to recover, and many businesses and farmers who rely on the river are already counting their losses.

In the light of the foregoing:

• 1.When was the Commission informed by the Polish authorities of this disaster?
• 2.Does the Commission plan to provide financial and environmental aid to Poland and to businesses that rely on the river?
• 3.What further steps does the Commission plan to take, given that some of the areas affected are covered by the Natura 2000 programme?