A NEW EUROPEAN PLASTIC TAX

On their way to the adoption of the multiannual financial framework for 2021-2027 and the recovery package, the EU Council approved on 14 December 2020 a Decision on legislative acts forming part of the package and laying down the EU budgetary framework for the coming years. Member States shall adopt the Decision in accordance with their respective constitutional requirements.

Once into force the decision will introduce a new contribution from Member States based on non-recycled plastic packaging waste. The uniform call rate shall be EUR 0,80 per kilogram of non-recycled plastic waste and the Decision also envision an annual lump sum reduction for certain Member States.

Set in accordance with the European strategy, the national contributions will be proportional to the quantity of plastic packaging waste that is not recycled in each Member State. In this way, it will be an incentive to reduce the consumption of single-use plastics, foster recycling and boost the circular economy. At the same time, Member States will be free to take the most suitable measures to achieve those goals, in line with the principle of subsidiarity.