Proceedings Begin Over Illegal Logging in Poland

The Polish Government has one month to respond following the start of infringement proceedings over illegal logging by the European Commission. Proceedings have begun following the call from ClientEarth urging the European Commission to halt the destructive plans to introduce logging in the Bialowieza Forest. Poland could receive large fines if the case ends up before the European Court of Justice.

ClientEarth Lawyer Agata Szafraniuk said: “Starting legal proceedings shows the Commission agrees that the Polish Government violated the law when it decided to increase logging in Białowieża. This contradicts Polish Government claims that the Commission supports felling.”

The infringement case is based on a possible breach of the Birds and Habitats Directive, EU environmental laws that protect the most valuable natural places in Europe.