Croatia Only EU Member Against Plastic Bag Reduction

Croatia was the only EU member state to vote against a proposal to reduce the use of plastic carrier bags, but its voice will have little effect…

The Council of the European Union has adopted a Commission proposal for a directive to reduce the use of plastic carrier bags, with directive now set to go before the European Parliament, EU diplomatic sources said.

In a move to protect jobs, Croatia was the sole voice in voting against the directive. Around 60 companies, employing a total of around 1,500 people in Croatia, produce light plastic carrier bags. The directive follows a series of measures introduced in the last 12 months by the European Commission to reduce the use of the plastic bags. The Commission is aiming for a 50% reduction in the first phase, increased to 80%.