Press Release: Reducing use of plastic bags: the Council reaches a political agreement

The Council of the European Union reached on the 17 December 2014 a political agreement on a draft directive to reduce the consumption of lightweight plastic bags.

The new rules aim to limit the negative environmental impact of litter from plastic carrier bags by encouraging waste prevention and a more efficient use of resources. The litter from plastic bags was accumulated in the environment, in particular in water bodies and aquatic eco-systems. It had been increasingly recognised as a significant global environmental challenge.

• Primary Source

ESO: Background information: Timmermans overruled on plastic bags deal http://www.europeansources.info/record/timmermans-overruled-on-plastic-bags-deal/

Deutsche Welle, 02.03.15: EU seeks to reduce plastic bag usage http://dw.de/p/1Ek2B

European Parliament: Press Release, 31.03.15: EU restricts the use of plastic bags to protect the environment http://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/news-room/content/20150328STO38904/

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