Full Breakdown
Croatia’s “Walk for Lika” Protest Demands Immediate Toxic Waste Cleanup
9/6/2026, 1:59:03 AM
Core Event – Mass Demonstration in Zagreb
On September 5, tens of thousands gathered in Zagreb’s central square to demand that the government swiftly remediate an illegal toxic-waste dump near the town of Gospic in the Lika region. Protesters called for a detailed cleanup plan with binding deadlines within 20 days and the removal of all buried waste within three months, as well as a temporary ban on waste imports.
Background & Context
Investigations began after Croatian police and Europol arrested 13 people in February 2025 for illegally importing and burying hazardous waste at an abandoned industrial site near Gospic. Europol reported that the scheme generated at least €4 million in profit and that most of the roughly 35,000 tons of waste originated from Italy, with additional material from Slovenia and Germany. The waste includes plastic refuse, medical waste, electronic equipment, construction debris and “forever chemicals” (PFAS) detected in groundwater.
Data & Statistics
- Estimated waste volume: reports range from 30,000 tons to 37,000 tons (?40,000 U.S. tons).
- Profit from illegal dumping: at least €4 million (?$4.2 million).
- Number of arrested suspects: 13.
- Number of companies under investigation: four.
- Soil and water testing: USKOK’s October report found elevated metal concentrations and PFAS in groundwater; other official tests have been reported as negative for contamination.
Official Statements & Responses
Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic said the government has selected a contractor for the first phase of the cleanup and that the site will be temporarily covered to protect it from rainwater. He asserted that there is currently no threat to the local population and accused political opponents of exploiting the issue for electoral gain. Croatian anti-corruption agency USKOK confirmed an ongoing investigation of a Croatian company alleged to have buried waste at multiple sites, including Gospic. Government officials also maintain that multiple water and soil tests have shown no contamination.
Criticism & Opposition
Opposition figures and civil-society leaders described the situation as a crime rather than an accident. Vjekoslav Busic, leader of the “Gospic Is Our Home” initiative, warned that the failure reflects systemic institutional weakness and demanded accountability for those who allowed the dumping to continue for years.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Government-issued tests are reported as negative for soil and water contamination, while USKOK’s independent assessment identified elevated metals and PFAS in groundwater.
- Estimates of waste quantity differ: some sources cite “more than 30,000 tons,” others specify “34,000–37,000 tons,” and the protest organizers demand removal of “33,000 tons.” No single, universally accepted figure is provided.
Why It Matters / Impact
Experts note that the karst terrain and porous rivers of Lika could transport pollutants to the Adriatic Sea, threatening the tourism-dependent coastline. Local residents fear long-term health effects, and the scandal has become a litmus test for Croatia’s enforcement of EU environmental directives.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The result to date: Not a single kilogram (pound) of hazardous waste has been removed from Gospic,” — Vjekoslav Busic
- “We are dissatisfied with the government's response. The site should have been cleaned up a long time ago,” — Verica Jurnjak
