Croatia: Toxic waste protest draws tens of thousands
The Zagreb demonstrators demanded that the government come up with a plan to clear illegal toxic waste in 20 days. Prime Minister Plenkovic has promised to tackle the issue.
In Zagreb, Croatia, a protest drew tens of thousands of people who criticized the government for its inaction regarding illegal toxic waste storage. The landfill near Gospic, located 124 miles southwest of Zagreb, holds toxic waste from Germany, Italy, and Slovenia, according to reports. Protesters carried signs such as "ecocide equals slow genocide" and "halt waste import," many holding Croatian flags.
They demanded the clearing of illegal landfills, a new waste management plan within 20 days, and a temporary ban on waste imports. An investigation, ongoing since February 2025, has involved Europol and four companies suspected of profiting from €4.6 million ($4 million) by falsely declaring plastic waste as recyclable. Local activists dispute the tonnage, stating 37,000 tons of waste were dumped in Gospic.
Prosecutors confirmed soil contamination in August, noting the risk to environment and health, though drinking water remains unaffected. Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic pledged to cover the toxic waste site by mid-October before removal.
Written by urgent.news from DW English (Top Stories)'s reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
This story
This is one outlet's version. Read the fullest account.
- Thousands rally in Croatia demanding urgent cleanup of toxic waste from a town apnews.com
- Thousands rally in Croatia demanding urgent cleanup of toxic waste from a town winnipegfreepress.com
- Croatia: Toxic waste protest draws tens of thousands dw.com
- Tens of thousands rally in Zagreb over Croatia waste cleanup delays channelnewsasia.com
