<p>The European Commission last week said that it is moving to withhold millions of euros in funds intended for Poland after it refused to pay legal fines over the Turow coal mine near the Czech border in Poland. European Commission spokesperson said that Brussels is utilizing an offsetting procedure for EU payments to Warsaw after a payment deadline expired last week. Poland’s first payment totals EUR 15 million, in addition to EUR 30,000 in interest. Commission needs to do now is to identify a suitable or appropriate payment against which the compensation can be made. Following that, the Commission will deduct the amount concerned from the payment identified</p><p>The European Court of Justice last year ordered Poland to close the mine, with the Czech government claiming that it drains groundwater from Czech villages and causes pollution. The European Court of Justice has imposed a fine of EUR 500,000 per day as long as Poland operates the mine.</p><p>Poland has refused to shut down the mine, saying it boosts the economy and helps the country meet its energy needs. Poland claims the EU does not have the legal authority to order the closure of the mine.</p>
<p>The European Commission last week said that it is moving to withhold millions of euros in funds intended for Poland after it refused to pay legal fines over the Turow coal mine near the Czech border in Poland. European Commission spokesperson said that Brussels is utilizing an offsetting procedure for EU payments to Warsaw after a payment deadline expired last week. Poland’s first payment totals EUR 15 million, in addition to EUR 30,000 in interest. Commission needs to do now is to identify a suitable or appropriate payment against which the compensation can be made. Following that, the Commission will deduct the amount concerned from the payment identified</p><p>The European Court of Justice last year ordered Poland to close the mine, with the Czech government claiming that it drains groundwater from Czech villages and causes pollution. The European Court of Justice has imposed a fine of EUR 500,000 per day as long as Poland operates the mine.</p><p>Poland has refused to shut down the mine, saying it boosts the economy and helps the country meet its energy needs. Poland claims the EU does not have the legal authority to order the closure of the mine.</p>
