Jourova says whoever polluted Odra must pay
European Commission Vice-President Vera Jourova has said that those responsible for the ecological disaster in the River Odra will have to pay.
Over the summer thousands of fish died in the partially Germany-bordering Odra, Poland's second largest river. Although a bloom of toxic algae may have been reason for the their death, sewage seeping into the waterway was also highlighted as a possible cause.
On Thursday, Jourova told the European Parliament's debate on the disaster in the River Odra that after its causes are determined those who are responsible will have to pay.
She said that the European Commission was very concerned about the mass extinction of fish and other aquatic species this summer and that what exactly led to a bloom of toxic algae is still not clear.
According to Jourova, it is important that authorities and citizens understand what really happened.
She said that although Polish and German governments are working together to explain the causes of the catastrophe, the alert system for neighbouring countries should be improved so that in the future, in a similar situation on other European rivers, quick action can be taken and the consequences mitigated.
