Let’s stop a new disaster in the Oder River!

CCB • February 10, 2023

International coalition criticizes sluggish government action

On 8 February 2023, organizations from the international coalition “Time for the Oder” and from the coalition “Save the Rivers” concerned about the situation of the Oder river met in Wrocław to exchange information and agree on joint initiatives. We want governments to take real action to reduce salinity, microplastics and other pollutants in the Oder.

Several months have passed since the environmental disaster, caused by the poisoning of the Oder River, took place. Unfortunately, the situation on the river has not improved significantly. The only thing saving us from another tragedy is the cold season. Higher water levels in the river and lower temperatures inhibit the bloom of golden algae still present in the waters of the Oder and Gliwice Canal. We are anxiously waiting for spring, because the salinity of the Oder is still very high. Golden algae are still abundant and as temperatures rise, the risk of them multiplying again and releasing prymnesin – a deadly poison for fish and mollusks – increases. Unfortunately, there is no clear and effective plan on the horizon to remedy the situation, and sewage and mine tailings water continue to be discharged into the river. Despite the fact that the Oder is a transnational river, flowing through the Czech Republic, Germany and Poland, there is no intergovernmental constructive cooperation on the issue. This is all the more astonishing since we are talking about a river important to three countries which are all members of the European Union.


Ewa Leś, CCB´s expert on governance for transboundary freshwater security says: "Among the primary objectives of intergovernmental bodies such as the International Commission on the Protection of the Oder against Pollution (ICPO) is the prevention of pollution of the Oder and Baltic waters; trilateral governmental cooperation and actions to reduce this pollution are essential."


In contrast to the governments, civil organizations from Poland, Germany and the Czech Republic are working closely together for the benefit of the Oder River.


On 8 February 2023, organizations from the international coalition “Time for the Oder” and from the coalition “Save the Rivers” concerned about the situation of the Oder met in Wrocław to exchange information and agree on joint initiatives. We want governments to take real action to reduce salinity, microplastics and other pollutants in the Oder finally. Plans for further regulation of the river and hydrotechnical works, pushed especially hard by the Polish side, will certainly not help the river’s ecological situation.


– "Further regulation will not only negatively affect the rate at which the Oder river recovers its biodiversity, but will also weaken the river’s ability to clean itself. This carries the risk of even bigger disasters than the one in August last year." – says Dorota Chmielowiec-Tyszko of the Time for the Oder Coalition – "We will do everything to counteract this. We are working on our own plan to heal the river, and we are inviting the governments of all the countries along the Oder to cooperate: Germany, Poland and the Czech Republic."
 

NOTES

More detailed information can be found on:


CCB is an international member of Time for Oder coalition. For more info contact our representative: ewa.les@ccb.se

Job vacancy: Marine Policy Officer (parental leave cover)

By CCB • February 24, 2026
Coalition Clean Baltic – CCB is a politically independent network, uniting 28 environmental non-profit organizations, as well as partners and experts from 11 countries surrounding the Baltic Sea. The main goal of CCB is to promote the protection and improvement of the environment and natural resources of the Baltic Sea region by encouraging new and constructive approaches and engaging people to become part of the solution instead of part of the problem. CCB Secretariat is based in Uppsala, Sweden. About the Role Coalition Clean Baltic (CCB) is seeking a Marine Policy Officer (parental leave cover) to join its International Secretariat and contribute substantively to regional and EU-level marine advocacy, with a particular focus on the Baltic Sea. The Marine Policy Officer will support the implementation of EU and international marine environmental policy frameworks — notably the EU Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD), the EU Maritime Spatial Planning Directive (MSPD) and the HELCOM Baltic Sea Action Plan (BSAP) . All work is grounded in the promotion of ecosystem-based management. The role includes close collaboration with the rest of the Secretariat team as well as CCB member organisations to deliver policy initiatives, advocacy actions, and strategic programme objectives. The Marine Policy Officer will also support the International Secretariat in fundraising, with a focus on the EU LIFE operational grant application. Key Responsibilities Policy & Advocacy Support the implementation of CCB’s strategic plan on marine biodiversity policy. Contribute to marine policy advocacy at EU and at Baltic Sea regional levels (e.g. HELCOM, EU Commission expert groups). Provide input to the implementation and revision of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive. Collect evidence and views to provide NGO inputs to the forthcoming EU Ocean Act and related initiatives. Support the implementation of the Helsinki Convention and Baltic Sea Action Plan. Engage in the revision processes related to the Marine Spatial Planning Directive (MSPD). Programme & Grant Delivery Provide critical support in fundraising, i.e. project proposal development, especially for securing core grant funding (e.g. for the EU LIFE Programme and potentially Horizon programme). Contribute to CCB´s project management, implementation and reporting activities for various projects. Coordination & Monitoring Closely coordinate marine biodiversity policy work with CCB member organisations. Monitor global, EU, and regional marine policy developments. Liaise with partner NGOs and civil society organisations. Communications & Policy Products Draft position papers, policy briefings, consultation inputs and technical reports on relevant files. Support communications and outreach on marine policy issues. Help organise workshops, conferences, and stakeholder events. Represent CCB in policy dialogues, expert groups, and stakeholder forums at the EU and Baltic Sea level. Cross-organisational Support within the Secretariat and its members Contribute to other CCB thematic working areas as required. Profile We are seeking a policy professional who is: Solutions-oriented and adaptable Experienced in advocacy or campaigning Collaborative and team-driven Passionate about marine conservation Organised, diplomatic, and stakeholder-confident Required Qualifications & Experience Demonstrable professional experience in marine or environmental policy. Working knowledge of key EU frameworks, particularly the EU Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD). Knowledge of Helcom BSAP is an asset. Postgraduate qualification in marine science, ecology, conservation, water management, or related discipline with substantial marine focus. Eligibility to work and travel within the EU (citizenship or valid permit) with residency in Sweden. Excellent written and spoken English. CCB also welcomes applicants from broader environmental policy/law backgrounds who can demonstrate relevant knowledge. Desirable Skills Experience within the NGO or civil society sector preferred. Advocacy or campaigning experience within the EU, the Baltic Sea or international environmental policy processes. Working knowledge of a Baltic Sea region language (e.g. Swedish, Danish, Finnish, German, Polish, Latvian, Lithuanian, Estonian).

CCB´s submission to the EU Call for Evidence on the Ocean Act

By CCB • February 19, 2026
Uppsala, February 2025 - CCB supports the Ocean Pact and Ocean Act objectives for improving coherence, coordination and effectiveness of EU ocean governance. Yet, in order to achieve this, the Act has to deliver truly ecosystem-based management of our seas and make reaching Good Environmental Status, as defined in the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD), a cornerstone of the Act. The Ocean Act can set us on a path to recovery of the marine environment under a sustainable and just blue economy, but only if the Act includes the points outlined below and is implemented swiftly and fully.