Controversy has erupted over the involvement of the Frank Bold Foundation in environmental procedures affecting the Polish coal mines of Borynia and Budryk. Previously known for its role in revoking environmental permits for the Turów mine, the foundation, linked closely with a legal firm bearing the same name, faces accusations of endangering Poland’s energy security.
Funded by organizations including USAID, Open Society, the EU’s CERV program, and Germany’s European Climate Initiative (EUKI), Frank Bold has been promoting Poland’s transition away from coal towards renewable energy sources. German governmental involvement in funding such activities has sparked additional concerns.
MP Janusz Kowalski has publicly demanded an inquiry by Poland’s Internal Security Agency (ABW), arguing these coordinated efforts represent a systemic threat to national security. Kowalski intends to bring this issue before the parliamentary committee on energy and climate, proposing an extraordinary session in Bogatynia to address the matter comprehensively.
The initiative follows prior opposition by Polish lawmakers, including Elżbieta Witek and MEP Anna Zalewska, aimed at protecting the national energy sector from foreign influence, particularly concerning the future of the strategically important Turów power plant and mine.