Construction of the Via Baltica expressway through a protected swathe of pristine wetlands in the Rospuda Valley was scheduled to begin on August 1, despite the fact that such activity clearly violates EU law. Responding to threats that construction would go ahead as planned, the EC acted quickly by filing an application on July 28 to the European Court of Justice for an interim measure to prevent work from taking place on the Natura 2000 site.

Poland’s decision comes as a relief to all parties opposed to the Rospuda construction plans, but NGOs remain concerned about proposed alternate routes from Warsaw to Helsinki through other protected sites. Of particular concern is the Biebrza Valley, for which a road building permit was issued by regional authorities earlier this year. Green groups argue that construction of an alternate route through the international corridor—involving building a bypass for the northeastern town of Augustow (pop. 30,000)—can take place without causing irreversible harm to wildlife and protected habitats. Polish authorities have countered with the claim that building such a bypass alternative will lead to long delays.