EU considers plastic bag ban

An official of the European Commission told reporters that the European Commission is ready to conduct a feasibility study on the implementation of a ban on plasticity in the EU and decide whether it is a good idea in general.

Monica Westeren, spokeswoman for the European Union Environment Council, said: “We have already shown our willingness to delve into this issue. The next question is, what exactly should we do?”

He said that the Brussels side may issue detailed feasibility study reports and comprehensive reports on whether it is suitable to ban plastic bags throughout the EU.

This issue was triggered by the Italian government's implementation of a national ban on plastics on January 1 without notifying the European Commission.

Westeren said that Italy’s practices are inconsistent with EU regulations on packaging and packaging waste, and may also violate the EU’s internal market rules, prohibiting unauthorised trade in goods and services between EU Member States without notification to Brussels. Out of limit.

“You can't arbitrarily take such measures without consulting with the European Commission. We have already stated our attitude and hope that they [the Italian government] will issue an official notice to the European Commission.”

She said that once the European Commission thinks that “this is not in conformity with EU law” (EU law is better than national law in terms of effectiveness), it will assess this prohibition and take legal action against Italy.

Westeren pointed out that according to the issue of plastic bags involved, the European Commission is ready to make a "comprehensive revision" of the existing packaging and packaging waste directives.

She said: "A feasible approach is to disable non-biodegradable plastic bags throughout Europe, but it does not rule out other forms of charging and tax incentives."

At the meeting of the EU Council of Ministers held at the environmental conference yesterday, the issue was discussed. At the meeting, the Austrian government filed a complaint against the prohibition of Italian practices. EU environment commissioner Janez Potocnik told reporters in an interview after the meeting that the Brussels side may conduct a feasibility study on the implementation of a plastic expulsion order throughout Europe.