<blockquote>Olomouc Region disagrees with the construction of the Danube-Oder-Elbe canal</blockquote>

Olomouc – The Olomouc Regional Council today expressed its disagreement with the project for the construction of the Danube-Odra-Elbe canal, a significant part of which is expected to pass through the territory of this region. The council members also approved the wording of a letter addressed to the Ministry of Transport and the Ministry for Regional Development, in which the regional self-government's opposition to the construction of the canal is expressed. The resolution to initiate preparations for this extensive construction was adopted by the government on October 5.

"The canal no longer has utility and economic justification today. Furthermore, according to experts, it poses a significant threat to the environment. Therefore, I think it was the right decision not to support its construction any further," commented the council's negative stance by Olomouc Governor Josef Suchánek (Pirates and STAN). According to him, Olomouc Region is most affected by this waterway project compared to all other regions, as all three branches, namely the Danube, Odra, and Elbe, pass through its territory. The Olomouc Region has long opposed the Elbe branch.

Opposition council member and former governor Ladislav Okleštěk (ANO) unsuccessfully proposed today to withdraw the negative opinion from the agenda until the impacts of the project on the environment are known. According to council member Jitka Seitlová (Together-Coalition for Olomouc Region), tens to hundreds of millions of crowns have already been invested in several studies, and council members have sufficient information to make a decision and vote. However, Okleštěk believes it is necessary to wait for a study that assesses the project's impact on the environment.

The council members of Ostrava also oppose the construction of the Danube-Odra-Elbe canal. They unanimously voted against the opinion in mid-November and are requesting an end to preparations for the construction of the waterworks. The city points out that the construction would have enormous consequences for the ecosystem and environment around the Odra River, which flows through Ostrava, and would negatively impact the city's urban planning.

The feasibility study for the construction of the Danube-Odra-Elbe water corridor was discussed by the government at the beginning of October. The first part of the water corridor, which is expected to cost approximately 15 billion crowns, is to be prepared, focusing on connecting the Danube with the Odra. The approved preparations for the project have been criticized by opposition politicians and representatives of environmental organizations. Conversely, President Miloš Zeman is advocating for the construction of the canal.