The Council of the EU today adopted ambitious measures designed to cut plastic pollution, proposed by Frans Timmermans, First Vice-President of the European Commission and PES Common Candidate.
PES President Sergei Stanishev said:
“It’s us – the European progressives – who are leading the fight for less pollution, cleaner air, and a plastic free ocean and shores. And it was Frans Timmermans, our candidate for the next President of the European Commission, who devoted himself to this cause. Today Europe has taken a decisive step towards a circular economy and more sustainable production and consumption. We can be proud that our continent is a global leader in this area. Protecting the environment will always be a priority for the progressive family.”
The new directive means manufacturers of single-use items like straws and cutlery will now have to use sustainable alternatives to plastic. For other products, new rules focus on limiting plastic use through national reductions in consumption; on design and labelling requirements; and waste management obligations for producers. The directive aims to significantly reduce the amount of plastic litter which ends up in the ocean, harming marine life.
