EU Participates in Pivotal Global Plastics Treaty Talks

Busan (Eurotoday) – The EU participates in Global Plastics Treaty negotiations, aiming for a binding agreement to combat plastic pollution.

From 25 Nov to 1 December, the European Commission is participating in negotiations on the Global Plastics Treaty (INC-5) in Busan, Republic of Korea, to reach an understanding on a global instrument for coping with plastic pollution. European Union stated that together with G20 partners, it remains determined to conclude the negotiations by the end of the year.

What are the EU’s key priorities for the plastics treaty?

As reported by the EU Commission, the EU’s preferences for an effective agreement include the need to resolve the high and unsustainable levels of primary plastic polymer production, banning intentionally added microplastics in products, and converging around a structure in the latest instrument that addresses plastic production thoroughly. The EU will also support major producers to endure a share of the financial responsibility for plastic pollution – the so-called ‘polluter pays’ principle.

Moreover, during the negotiations, the EU Commission will also highlight that, while legally binding standards are needed globally, national circumstances should also be evaluated, and a just transition ensured. The adoption of a legally binding mechanism to end plastic pollution is a critical priority of the EU’s  Circular Economy Action Plan.

In his remarks, Executive Vice-President for the European Green Deal, Maroš Šefčovič, stated: “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 action 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.”

World Leaders in the G20 summit held in Rio expressed in their final declaration the purpose of working together to conclude the negotiations of an international legally binding mechanism on plastic pollution by the end of 2024. To muster support for the conclusion of the Treaty, the EU is actively concerned about the High Ambition Coalition to Terminate Plastic Pollution, which includes 65 countries dedicated to aiming high in the negotiations to conclude plastic pollution by 2040.