Pollution of the river Sajó – ecological disaster in southern Slovakia
13.6.2022
Priority question for written answer P-002118/2022
to the Commission
Rule 138
Loránt Vincze (PPE), François Alfonsi (Verts/ALE), Edina Tóth (NI)
Since 24 February 2022, the river Sajó (Slaná) in southern Slovakia has been hit by a major environmental disaster, with a severe impact on its wildlife and environment. The former iron ore mine in Nižná Slaná is leaking huge quantities of toxic substances into the river every day, including arsenic, manganese, antimony, iron and zinc. The authorities’ action so far has been delayed by jurisdictional disputes[1].
The Sajó is one of the largest rivers in eastern Slovakia and dozens of kilometres of wildlife have been destroyed by polluted water. Experts say it is only a matter of time before the pollution has severe cross-border effects.
- 1.Is the Commission and its relevant services aware of this ecological disaster?
- 2.What measures can the Commission take to help stop the pollution and repair the environmental damage?
- 3.Will the Commission investigate the reasons for the delay on the part of the national authorities and assess whether they have acted appropriately to prevent and remedy the environmental damage?
- [1] https://hu.euronews.com/2022/05/26/hataskori-vitak-miatt-kesik-a-sajo-szennyezesenek-felszamolasa-szlovakiaban