Key facts
- Tens of thousands rallied in Zagreb, Croatia, protesting government delays in cleaning up over 30,000 tons of hazardous waste.
- The waste, including electronic equipment, plastics, construction materials, and medical waste, is located at an abandoned industrial site near Gospic.
- An expert report found elevated metal concentrations and PFAS compounds in the groundwater.
- Protesters demanded a clear remediation plan with deadlines and an immediate ban on waste imports.
- The government stated an investigation is ongoing and a contractor has been selected for the initial cleanup phase.
Tens of thousands of people rallied in Zagreb, Croatia, to protest the government's perceived inaction regarding the cleanup of over 30,000 tons of illegally dumped hazardous waste. The waste, located at an abandoned industrial site near the town of Gospic, has raised fears of significant environmental damage and health risks.
Residents and environmentalists have criticized the conservative government of Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic for months of delays in addressing the issue, which first surfaced in February when 13 individuals were arrested in connection with illegal waste importation and disposal. Europol stated that the suspects profited at least 4 million euros from these activities.
An expert report highlighted elevated metal concentrations and the presence of PFAS compounds, known as 'forever chemicals,' in the groundwater near the site. Protesters demanded a clear, time-bound plan for remediation and an immediate ban on waste imports, with some accusing authorities of corruption and looking the other way.
While the government maintains that an investigation is underway and efforts are being made to clear the area, including selecting a contractor for the initial phase, Prime Minister Plenkovic has accused political opponents of fueling panic. Experts, however, warn that the region's karst terrain could spread pollution towards the Adriatic Sea.