Key facts
- An estimated 35,000 tonnes of waste, some hazardous, were illegally dumped near Gospić, Croatia.
- Pfas, copper, and lead were detected in groundwater and soil samples near the dumping sites.
- 13 people were arrested in February 2025 for involvement in an environmental criminal network.
- The criminal network is believed to have generated over €4 million in profit from illegal waste imports.
- Thousands protested in Zagreb on September 5, demanding site remediation and a national waste strategy.
- The campaign group plans to protest at the European Parliament in Brussels.
Residents of Gospić, Croatia, have launched a national campaign against the illegal dumping of toxic waste in their town, which has led to contamination of groundwater and soil. The "Gospić is our home" movement, formed by concerned citizens, has gained significant national attention, culminating in a protest of approximately 40,000 people in Zagreb on September 5.
Between 2022 and 2024, an estimated 35,000 tonnes of waste, including hazardous materials, were dumped at multiple sites in Gospić. Residents reported witnessing lorries delivering waste at night, and their concerns were later validated by a report from the Croatian Institute of Public Health, which detected Pfas "forever chemicals" in groundwater and elevated concentrations of copper and lead in the soil. Despite assurances about drinking water safety, many residents have resorted to buying bottled water due to a lack of trust.
In February 2025, law enforcement arrested 13 individuals suspected of involvement in an environmental criminal network. Europol identified two main Croatian suspects believed to have orchestrated the illegal import of hazardous waste from Italy, Slovenia, and Germany, generating an estimated profit of over €4 million. However, 18 months after the arrests, the waste sites remain uncleared.
The campaign group, comprising individuals from various professional backgrounds, is demanding comprehensive remediation of the sites and the urgent removal of buried waste. They also advocate for the inclusion of all known waste hotspots in Croatia into a national waste strategy. The movement has expanded beyond Gospić, with calls from other affected communities across Croatia, highlighting the widespread nature of the problem. The United Nations estimates that 15% to 30% of EU waste shipments are illegal, indicating a broader European issue.
Frustrated by the slow pace of government action, the group plans to protest at the European Parliament in Brussels, seeking clear information, deadlines, and action to address the ongoing environmental and potential health impacts.