Greece among the first EU countries to withdraw disposable plastics

The Minister initially underlined that the Government had as a priority the fight against plastic pollution and it was the Prime Minister's own commitment to move Greece quickly and decisively on this issue, according to the Ministry's Press Office.

Mr. Hatzidakis emphasized that the Ministry is already moving on the basis of European Directive 2019/904 on the disposal of disposable plastics and addressing environmental stakeholders and market participants who participated in the Consultation Meeting, noted the following:

1. "Plastic is not completely abolished in the EU We are talking about preventing and reducing the impact of disposable plastics on the environment, in particular the aquatic environment and human health."

2. "It is our decision to promote the Circular Economy. By preserving the value of our products and materials as much as possible and creating less waste, our economy will become more competitive, but also more resilient." 

3. "By participating as a responsible Minister, we are working to create a European Coalition through which, in cooperation with my European counterparts and representatives of the largest market companies, we will work to accelerate change in the market, society and the environment in a rational and coordinated manner ".

4. "We do not want to surprise the market. Of course we have ambitious goals. Of course we will implement the Directive. It is certainly a priority for the Prime Minister. Of course we are part of the European Coalition for Plastics. serious and realistic. "

5. "We want to make people aware. You can't achieve environmental goals if you don't have the cooperation of citizens. You can't do it for example with the recycling issue. It's impossible to have blue, brown or any bins if another goes and puts in the wrong bin the wrong trash. "

Mr Hatzidakis made it clear that by the end of June 2020 the relevant European Directive, together with the new Waste Management Directives, with a date of implementation in June 2021. "Everyone will know how Greece moves. the legal framework is in place, with our obligations clear and Greece will have recorded its compliance immediately with the first EU countries. The market will be available for 1.5 years from today - as will all European countries. countries - adjust so that we don't have unnecessary iastes turbulence. In the end, our country will show a modern European image in this matter. "