Czech Republic demands better action against illegal waste transport

The Czech Republic is facing a critical issue with illegal waste transport, which has seen a surge in recent months. Environment Minister Petr Hladík raised concerns about this growing threat during a meeting in Brussels on March 30, 2025. The rise in illegal waste transport poses significant risks to the environment and has prompted the Czech government to seek more effective solutions from the European Commission. Hladík emphasized the need for improved coordination among member states to tackle the illegal transport of waste effectively, stating that the current lack of cooperation contributes to both environmental damage and financial repercussions. In his appeal, the Czech Minister suggested the establishment of a single database to help track offenses across borders, making it easier to identify repeat offenders. He noted that while cooperation with authorities in Germany has been positive, the presence of over 300 authorities on the German side complicates matters. As a solution, the Czech Republic proposes having one competent authority within each country similar to the system in place in the Czech Republic. This would streamline the process and improve information sharing, enabling faster and more effective interventions against illegal waste transport. The Czech Republic's initiative has gained support from eight other countries, including France, Slovakia, and Hungary, emphasizing the collective concern regarding environmental protection and the need for unity in tackling waste transport issues. The discussion at the European Commission meeting reflected broader global challenges regarding waste management, with the United Nations estimating municipal solid waste generation to be between 2.1 and 2.3 billion tonnes yearly. This growing problem underscores the urgency for comprehensive, international strategies to ensure sustainable waste management practices. As cities worldwide grapple with waste management issues, this appeal from the Czech Republic highlights the necessity for regional cooperation to safeguard the environment from the harms of illegal waste transport. The proposed measures aim not only to limit legal and administrative burdens but also to bolster efforts towards the establishment of Zero Waste practices, which are becoming increasingly crucial in the modern context of climate action and sustainability.