Tens of thousands of demonstrators gathered in Zagreb to protest against the Croatian government's perceived inaction over the illegal storage of toxic waste. The protesters demanded that the government present a plan to clear illegal toxic waste sites within 20 days, highlighting growing public anger over environmental negligence.
The protest was sparked by a landfill near the town of Gospic, about 200 kilometers southwest of Zagreb, which is reportedly holding toxic waste from several countries, including Germany and Italy. Signs at the demonstration read "ecocide equals slow genocide" and "halt waste import," with many attendees waving Croatian flags.
The protesters called for the cleanup of all illegal landfills, citing groundwater pollution, and urged the government to implement a new waste management plan nationwide. They also demanded a temporary ban on waste imports to prevent further environmental damage.
An ongoing investigation into illegal waste dumps has been underway since the arrests of 13 people in February 2025, with Europol cooperating with Croatian authorities. Four companies are also under investigation. According to Europol, most of the 35,000 tons of waste came from Italy, Slovenia, and Germany, consisting of plastic refuse and toxic hospital waste.
The illegal operation allegedly generated around €4 million ($4.6 million) in profits for the suspects, who are also suspected of forging documents to falsely declare plastic waste as suitable for recycling. Local environmental activists dispute the official figures, claiming that 37,000 tons were illegally dumped in Gospic alone.
In August, prosecutors published a report confirming soil contamination in Gospic, which had spread beyond the site itself. The report stated that this poses a "significant risk for the environment and people's health," although drinking water in Gospic remains unaffected so far, according to health authorities.
Conservative Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic has promised that the toxic waste site in Gospic will be covered by mid-October before the waste is removed. However, protesters remain skeptical, demanding immediate action and accountability. This incident has reignited debates about environmental protection and government responsibility in Croatia.
Source: www.dw.com