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Representation in Ireland
News article29 September 2022Representation in Ireland

European Commission calls on Ireland and 10 other countries to fully transpose the Directive on Single-Use Plastics

The European Commission is calling on Ireland (INFR (2022)0096) and 10 other countries of the European Union to transpose fully the Single-Use Plastics Directive (Directive 2019/904) into their national laws. 

Waste plastic bottles

The Single-Use Plastic Directive aims to prevent and reduce the impact of certain plastic products that are used for a very short time on the environment, in particular the marine environment, and on human health. The legislation also promotes the transition to a circular economy with innovative and sustainable business models, products and materials. To this end, the Directive includes several measures on reducing consumption, restricting placing certain products on the market and specific product requirements. 

The European Green Deal stresses the importance of Europe remaining on track to meet its environmental objectives. 

Today, the European Commission is sending a letter of formal notice to Denmark and France, and a reasoned opinion to Belgium, Croatia, Estonia, Ireland, Latvia, Poland, Portugal, Slovenia and Finland, for failing to fully transpose the Directive by the required deadline. 

The European Commission sent a letter of formal notice to Ireland in January 2022. Ireland has still not communicated all the measures necessary to ensure the full transposition of the Directive into its national law. Therefore, the Commission has decided to issue reasoned opinions today. Ireland has now two months to respond and take the necessary measures. Otherwise, the Commission may decide to refer the cases to the Court of Justice of the European Union. 

 

More information: 

Press release

Details

Publication date
29 September 2022
Author
Representation in Ireland