The European Commission has applied for an injunction before the European Court of Justice to prevent the construction of a road in the Rospuda Valley in Poland. The valley, famed for its primeval forest and natural habitat, is protected as an area of European importance under EU law. Despite this protection, the Polish planning authorities gave the green light for the construction of a new road through the valley. This prompted the Commission to apply for interim measures to prevent construction from going ahead. The Polish Government claims that the road is necessary for reasons of public safety but the Commission is unconvinced. It considers that adequate safety measures could be made to existing routes but the damage to the valley would be irreparable if the project goes ahead.