DistantNews
Support us
Croatian opposition slams government over hazardous waste in Gospić
🇭🇷 Croatia /Elections & Politics

Croatian opposition slams government over hazardous waste in Gospić

From Večernji List · () Croatian

Translated from Croatian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Croatian opposition politicians are criticizing the government over a large accumulation of waste in Gospić, raising concerns about potential pollution.
  • They claim the waste, estimated at up to 100,000 tons, originates from Italy and Slovenia and has been present for years without removal.
  • Opposition figures plan to raise the issue in the European Parliament, citing local residents' concerns and previous complaints filed with EU institutions.

Opposition politicians in Gospić, Croatia, have publicly criticized the government's handling of a significant waste accumulation near the city, warning of potential environmental hazards. Ivan Starčević, head of the SDP Gospić organization, labeled the site "Plenković's garbage dump," expressing deep concern over the sheer volume of waste, which he estimates could reach 100,000 tons.

We are not hysterical. Don't engage in hysterics. We are simply so afraid that we are asking ourselves if life is even possible in these areas.

— Ivan StarčevićAddressing the government's dismissal of local concerns about the waste.

Starčević stated that the waste is located on the grounds of the former Velebit agricultural cooperative and that local residents believe a substantial portion, around 50,000 tons, is also present at the Rakitovac landfill. He highlighted the community's alarm over the yellowing of local water sources and the reported presence of various metals, suggesting a serious contamination risk. Despite a procedure initiated in 2025, Starčević claims no waste has been removed, and authorities dismiss residents' concerns as "hysterical."

Gordan Bosanac, a Green MEP, emphasized the European dimension of the issue, noting that the waste reportedly comes from Italy and Slovenia. He revealed that Gospić residents have already filed a formal petition with the European Parliament's Committee on Petitions. Bosanac, a member of this committee, pledged to push for an urgent procedure upon the parliament's return to Brussels in September, expressing hope that the ruling HDZ party will not obstruct the process.

The problem is not connected to the European Union only because the waste, according to the information presented so far, came from two neighboring countries, Italy and Slovenia, but also because the citizens of Gospić have already addressed the institutions of the European Union.

— Gordan BosanacHighlighting the cross-border and EU-level implications of the waste issue.

Dalija Orešković, a member of parliament and leader of the Dosip party, also participated in the press conference. The politicians stressed that their concerns are not "hysterical" but stem from a genuine fear for the possibility of life persisting in the area due to the waste problem.

I expect that this petition will not be blocked. Because the majority, as you know, in the European Parliament...

— Gordan BosanacExpressing hope for swift action on the residents' petition.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Večernji List in Croatian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

More Stories

From Our Blog