China to ban single use plastics, bags in phases
The National Development and Reform Commission said in Beijing that the state would by 2025 establish a comprehensive system for the production, sales, consumption, processing and disposal of plastic items. Big cities are first up to roll out the changes, while other places will have more time to adjust. China wants to eradicate most of […]
Vojvodina adopts Declaration on Environmental Protection, recommends ban on plastic bags
The Government of the province of Vojvodina has adopted the Declaration on Environmental Protection, which envisages the end of coal and heating oil used for heating in public buildings, a wider introduction of environmentally friendly vehicles for public transport, and the prohibition of plastic bags by the end of 2020. In order to enter into […]
Top 10 Most Read articles on Balkan Green Energy News in 2018
‘Tis the season to look back, and Balkan Green Energy News brings you the most significant events, news, and expert views that both marked 2018 and piqued the interest of our English-language readers. As you wonder whether your favorite news, interviews, op-eds or project presentations from the entire Balkan region made it to our Top […]
Belgrade bans sale of plastic shopping bags from 2020, moves to establish future metro operator
Belgrade’s city assembly has adopted a decision banning the sale of plastic shopping bags in the Serbian capital from January 1, 2020, to help reduce pollution. Once the ban on plastic shopping bags takes effect, retailers will be able to sell paper shopping bags or offer them for free. Those who do not take heed […]
Jure Leben, new environment minister who advocates all-out plastic bag ban
Slovenia’s new minister of the environment and spatial planning Jure Leben is environmental protection expert educated in the U.S. and the UK, who, among other things, advocates a total ban on plastic bags. According to the Slovenian media, the new minister will face many outstanding issues in the sector, including waste packaging, the rehabilitation of polluted areas, […]
Recyclers, reusable plastic bag producers invited to apply for 2018 subsidies amid calls to boost funding
The Ministry of Environmental Protection has invited recyclers and reusable plastic bag producers to apply for the 2018 subsidies, to be earmarked under the 2019 state budget, which is to be prepared later this year. The recycling subsidies are available to licensed operators of waste reuse and waste treatment facilities, including those using waste as […]
Albania to ban lightweight plastic bags on July 4
Albania is introducing a ban on lightweight plastic bags on July 4, in what will make it illegal to import, manufacture, use, sell, or bring such bags into the country. “This is a difficult but necessary decision,” Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama said commenting on the upcoming ban on lightweight plastic bags, Tema reported. Lightweight […]
Serbia will prohibit the use of plastic bags
Serbia will completely ban the use of thin plastic bags and introduce a mandatory payment for biodegradable bags, the Ministry of Environmental Protection has announced. As stated by Politika, the Ministry is going to implement all the measures of the European Directive on plastics, adopted in February this year, although Serbia is not the member […]