World Wildlife Fund sends warning to Poland on EU environmental directives

The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) has warned Poland that it would be breaching at least five European Union (EU) environmental protection directives if it went ahead with the planned construction of dams on the Odra and Wisla Rivers. Polish diplomats argue that since Poland is not yet a member of the EU, the directives are not binding in Poland. The dams are for both a power station and to regulate water flow. The investments are to be funded by the government and the EU. The directives that the WWF asserts Poland would breach include the protection of wildlife and birds, and the pubic access of data pertaining to environmental protection. Analysts say the organization could try to block funding from the EU or even membership. (Rzeczpospolita, page B2)