This weekend, together with my colleagues from Možemo! Osijek, I called on the people of Osijek to submit their complaints to the Committee on Petitions of the European Parliament, of which I am a member. Our goal is clear: to stop the ongoing destruction of the Drava riverbank.
We are demanding a partial modification of the current landscaping project planned for the right bank of the Drava and the Višnjevac–Osijek embankment. In its present form, the project raises serious concerns about whether it complies with the EU Regulation on Nature Restoration. By submitting a petition to the Committee, citizens of Osijek can trigger an official procedure that obliges the European Commission to respond and determine whether European law is being breached.
Why is this important? Because if the project continues as planned, the Drava will be suffocated under 10,000 tons of concrete. This would not only devastate the river’s ecosystem, but also destroy one of Osijek’s most cherished spaces – its beloved promenade, bathing areas, and a natural oasis that generations have enjoyed.
We must make our voices heard. We want a Drava that remains a living river, not reduced to a lifeless concrete channel. This is about protecting nature, defending our community’s right to a healthy environment, and standing up for Osijek’s future. Together, we can ensure that the Drava continues to flow freely as a river of life, not a river of concrete.
