In Heringsdorf residents, local representatives and environmental organisations discussed plans for oil and gas extraction within sight of the island on 2 November 2026. Usedom The occasion was a public meeting called at short notice by the local authority, following reports of preparatory work by the Canadian company Central European Petroleum The proposal envisages an artificial platform covering around ten hectares, along with associated harbour and breakwater facilities in the Pomeranian Bay.
gathered in German Environmental Aid, BUND Mecklenburg-Vorpommern and WWF warned of significant environmental risks. It pointed to possible impacts from piling work, drilling wastewater and shipping, as well as the risk of accidents. According to the organisation, European Natura 2000 network protected areas in the Pomeranian Bay could be particularly affected. A newly formed action alliance announced that it would consider legal action and step up political pressure.
The Heringsdorf local authority highlighted the possible consequences for tourism and the coastal economy. The seaside resort fears damage to its image and disruption from noise, light and traffic if the project goes ahead. The Federal Ministry for the Environment attended the meeting and referred to ongoing coordination between German and Polish authorities on procedures and responsibilities.
According to sources close to the environmental organisations, a mobile drilling rig has recently been moved into the marine area. Polish authorities have announced a transboundary environmental impact assessment for the project named Wolin East Because the presumed sites lie outside German territorial waters, key permits do not fall under German jurisdiction. At the same time, the environmental impacts are considered potentially transboundary, which gives Germany the right to participate in the assessment process.
Central European Petroleum has so far not made comprehensive information publicly available in German about the timetable, technology or safety measures. As matters stand, the facts, legal framework and possible legal avenues are the subject of ongoing reviews. In recent weeks, environmental organisations have also contacted the European Commission in an effort to secure a fundamental shift away from oil and gas extraction projects in the Baltic Sea. Further decisions are expected once the environmental impact assessment findings and the authorities’ opinions have been submitted.
Editor: Andreas M. Brucker (Article created with AI assistance).