EU committed to the conclusion of a global agreement on plastic as final negotiations start
From today until 1 December, the Commission is participating in negotiations on the Global Plastics Treaty (INC-5) in Busan, Republic of Korea, with an aim to reach an agreement on a global instrument tackling plastic pollution. Together with G20 partners, the EU remains committed to concluding the negotiations by the end of the year.
The EU’s priorities for an effective agreement include the need to address the high and unsustainable levels of primary plastic polymer production, ban intentionally added microplastics in products, and converge around a structure in the new instrument that addresses plastic production comprehensively. The EU will also advocate for major producers to bear a share of the financial responsibility for plastic pollution – the so-called ‘polluter pays’ principle.
During the negotiations, the EU will also emphasise that, while legally binding measures are needed globally, national circumstances should also be considered, and a just transition ensured. The adoption of a legally binding instrument to end plastic pollution is a key priority of the EU’s Circular Economy Action Plan.
Executive Vice-President for the European Green Deal, Maroš Šefčovič, said: “Plastics are choking our oceans, polluting the environment and harming people’s health and livelihoods. If business as usual continues, plastic production will triple by 2060. We need coordinated global policies to change plastic production and consumption patterns in a way that delivers for people and the planet. We now have a chance to demonstrate how we can take actions jointly to promote a more circular and sustainable economy for plastics. The EU is ready to engage with other parties and build bridges for agreeing a global treaty by the end of this year.”
In Rio, G20 Leaders stated in their final declaration the ambition of working together to conclude the negotiations of an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution by the end of 2024. To mobilise support for the conclusion of the Treaty, the EU is actively involved in the High Ambition Coalition to End Plastic Pollution, which includes 65 countries committed to aim high in the negotiations to end plastic pollution by 2040.