In response to a spillage of plastic pellets on Spanish beaches, EU environment ministers have agreed to set minimum standards and monitoring requirements for shippers operating in EU waters. The legislation aims to reduce microplastic pollution by 30% by 2030 and has caused disagreement between governments, the European Parliament, and the Commission.
The spillage occurred after a ship lost containers overboard, leading to plastic pellets washing up on beaches in Galicia. Spain pushed for shipping to be included in the regulation, citing the importance of sending a signal to international partners in the International Maritime Organization. However, not all governments are in agreement, with Greece, Cyprus, and Malta voicing concerns about the lack of impact assessment and advocating for a global agreement within the IMO.
In addition to addressing shipping, the legislation includes a review clause to assess other major sources of unintentional microplastic pollution, such as tyres and paints. The intentional use of plastic particles in products is also regulated separately to contribute to the overall reduction target.
Despite controversies surrounding Hungary’s EU Council presidency, an intergovernmental agreement was reached on the legislation, with Hungary praised for brokering the deal. The European Parliament supports extending the law to shipping, while the European Commission is opposed, citing concerns about the competitiveness of European industries.
The scale of pellet losses in Europe is estimated to be significant, with figures ranging from 52 to 184 thousand tonnes in 2019 alone. The spillage of 26 tonnes in Spain prompted an environmental emergency declaration, highlighting the urgent need for measures to address microplastic pollution.
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