The European Commission has acknowledged reports that nearly 1,000 poultry farms in Poland may be operating without permits required under the Industrial Emissions Directive (IED), but stressed that enforcement is primarily a national responsibility. In a written answer on 16 July 2026 to MEP Tilly Metz (Verts/ALE), Environment Commissioner Ms Roswall said the Commission is analysing a complaint submitted in March 2026 and has asked Polish authorities for further information. She noted that any decision on follow-up will be taken once the analysis is complete.
The answer, which does not set numerical targets or deadlines, reaffirms the Commission's limited direct enforcement role. It also references an ongoing infringement case (INFR(2023)2173) opened in February 2024 against Poland for non-conform transposition of IED provisions, covering ninety grievances. The Commission is still assessing Poland's reply to the letter of formal notice.
The Commission signals it will not pre-judge the Polish authorities' actions but keeps the option of infringement proceedings open if the analysis reveals systemic failures. Institutional follow-up is expected once the complaint analysis and the transposition case assessment are concluded, though no timeline is given.
Polish poultry farmers face potential compliance costs if permits are enforced; local communities may see improved environmental and health protection if breaches are remedied; Polish environmental inspectorates could face increased administrative burden; the Commission's credibility on enforcing EU environmental law is at stake, with limited immediate action signalled.