From a “Save Our Rivers” campaign statement, framed around the question “Is Rumania Ready for the EU?” — Bryan Dawson listed as press contact, spring 2000.

The statement argued that decades of Romanian environmental neglect, culminating in the Aurul cyanide spill and the two subsequent Baia Borsa heavy-metal releases, raised doubts about Romania’s readiness for EU accession — noting the government did not acknowledge the first spill until February 16, over two weeks after it occurred.

Ecological damage cited: the Tisza contained 17 of Hungary’s 29 protected fish species, including huchen and Danube salmon, plus one of the last sturgeon runs on the Danube; over 80 tons of dead fish had already been pulled from the Tisza; and Phil Weller, head of WWF’s Danube Programme, was quoted estimating the cyanide had killed 85–90% of all species in the river’s upper reaches. The statement also noted Ukraine had already banned Danube water use, and area residents relying on wells faced cyanide contamination over 50 times safe levels.

EU Commissioner Margot Wallström, inspecting the Tisza at Szolnok, was quoted: “there is great unanimity that the polluter pays” for damages.