Plastic treaty: the EU “ready” to make compromises to reach an agreement

Geneva (Switzerland) – “The EU is ready for an agreement but not at any cost. It is time to actually conclude this vital agreement,” said European Commissioner for the Environment, Jessika Roswall, during an impromptu press briefing alongside Danish Minister for the Environment, Magnus Heunicke.

These negotiations are “extremely difficult,” said Magnus Heunicke, “but the EU is here to reach an agreement” that is “as ambitious as possible.”

The EU is part of a coalition of so-called “ambitious” countries seeking to achieve a treaty against plastic pollution that includes a reduction and regulation of virgin plastic production worldwide as well as a list of hazardous chemical additives, two measures opposed by a coalition of mainly oil-producing countries, as well as representatives from the petrochemical industry, observers of the debates.

“Our goal is to achieve a legally binding treaty that will protect future generations from plastic pollution,” added Mr. Heunicke.

“If we all stick to our red lines, an agreement is impossible,” he said, calling for “compromises” and “negotiations.” (August 12, 2025)