Brussels, 20/11/2014 (Agence Europe) - On Thursday 20 November, MEPs from the European Parliament's S&D Group called for the swift adoption of legislation to reduce the use of single-use plastic bags in the EU (see EUROPE 11200). The MEPs are delighted that the Commission back-tracked so as finally to support the provisional agreement between the Parliament and Council because this compromise will give the member states the choice between introducing a charge for these bags by the end of 2018 or introducing measures which will reduce the per capita consumption of the bags to 90 in 2019 and 40 in 2025 (compared with 176 in 2010).
“Over 8 billion plastic carrier bags are littered in the EU every year, with the sea being the main victim (…) The sooner we start reducing the use of these highly polluting bags the better. And member states still have time to decide the best way to implement measures”, said Kathleen Van Brempt, the S&D vice-president. Stating that according to a Eurobarometer survey, 92% of citizens are in favour of measures to fight against these bags that “not only have severe consequences for marine life, but also endanger our health through the food chain”, Matthias Groote, the S&D spokesperson for health and environment issues, said: “The Commission's initial hesitation was disconcerting (…) I hope the new European Commission changes its sceptical attitude towards the circular economy and clean air packages”. (AN)