Thousands Protest in Croatia Demanding Urgent Toxic Waste Cleanup in Gospic

What Happened

On Saturday, September 5, 2026, tens of thousands of people gathered in Zagreb, Croatia's capital, to protest the government's delayed response to a massive illegal toxic waste dump near the town of Gospic. The demonstration, organized by the 'Gospic Is Our Home' initiative, saw protesters carrying national flags and banners with slogans like 'When if not now' and 'The lungs of Croatia have trouble breathing.' This public outcry follows months of inaction since the discovery of approximately 37,000 metric tons (40,000 U.S. tons) of hazardous waste, including electronic equipment, plastics, construction materials, and medical waste, at an abandoned industrial site. The issue initially surfaced in February 2025 when Croatian police and Europol arrested 13 individuals suspected of illegally importing and disposing of this waste, a scheme that reportedly generated at least 4 million euros ($4.2 million) in illicit profits. Protesters are demanding a clear, urgent cleanup plan with defined deadlines and an immediate ban on waste imports, expressing deep distrust in official explanations and the government's handling of the crisis.

What the Evidence Establishes

Evidence establishes that approximately 37,000 metric tons of hazardous waste, including electronic components, plastics, construction debris, and medical refuse, remain at an abandoned industrial site near Gospic, Croatia. This waste was illegally imported from other EU nations, specifically Italy, Slovenia, and Germany, since at least 2023. An expert report published last month by Croatia's anti-corruption agency, USKOK, confirmed elevated metal concentrations in the soil at the site and detected PFAS compounds, commonly known as 'forever chemicals,' in the local groundwater. In February 2025, Croatian police and Europol arrested 13 individuals implicated in the illegal import and disposal operation, which Europol stated generated at least 4 million euros in illegal profits. Despite these findings and arrests, Vjekoslav Busic of the 'Gospic Is Our Home' initiative stated on September 5, 2026, that 'Not a single kilogram (pound) of hazardous waste has been removed from Gospic' more than a year after the initial discovery. The government has acknowledged an ongoing investigation and efforts to clear the area, with Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic stating a contractor has been chosen for initial removal.

Where the Accounts Conflict

Significant discrepancies exist between official government statements and findings from Croatia's anti-corruption agency, USKOK, regarding the Gospic waste site. Croatian authorities, including Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic's government, have repeatedly claimed that multiple water and soil tests in Gospic 'came out negative for contamination.' This assertion directly conflicts with an expert report published last month by USKOK, which explicitly states that 'the soil at the site contained elevated metal concentration and that PFAS compounds, known as the “forever chemicals,” have also been detected in groundwater.' This fundamental disagreement on the presence and extent of contamination is a primary driver of public anger. Furthermore, while the government states an investigation is underway and efforts to clear the area have begun, including selecting a company for initial waste removal, protesters like Vjekoslav Busic contend that 'Not a single kilogram (pound) of hazardous waste has been removed from Gospic' since the issue surfaced in February 2025. Prime Minister Plenkovic has also accused political opponents of 'fueling panic for political gains,' a claim rejected by protesters who view the situation as a 'crime' rather than a 'tragedy,' implying deliberate negligence or corruption.

Context and Stakes

The Gospic toxic waste scandal carries substantial political and environmental stakes for Croatia. Politically, it has intensified criticism against conservative Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic and his government, already facing mounting public anger. Opponents accuse the administration of corruption and attempting to conceal the true scale of the pollution. The large-scale protest in Zagreb, drawing lawmakers from across the political spectrum and public figures like actor Rade Serbedzija, underscores the broad dissatisfaction. Environmentally, the presence of 37,000 metric tons of hazardous waste, including PFAS chemicals, poses a direct threat to the health of Gospic's approximately 12,000 residents. Experts warn that while current damage is localized, the region's karst terrain, characterized by loose soil and numerous rivers, could facilitate the spread of pollutants towards the Adriatic Sea. This is particularly critical as the Lika region, where Gospic is located, is known for its pristine forests, lakes, and rivers, and its tourism industry heavily relies on the unspoiled Adriatic coastline. The failure to address this issue promptly risks long-term ecological damage and economic repercussions for a vital sector of the Croatian economy.

What to Watch Next

Observers should monitor several key developments following the widespread protests in Croatia. The immediate focus will be on the Croatian government's response to the protesters' demands for a clear, binding cleanup plan with specific deadlines. Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic has stated a contractor has been chosen for initial waste removal, but the public awaits concrete details and a comprehensive long-term strategy. The ongoing investigation by USKOK into a Croatian company allegedly burying toxic waste at multiple sites beyond Gospic will also be critical; any further arrests or revelations could escalate political pressure. The political fallout for Prime Minister Plenkovic and his government will be a significant factor, especially as opponents continue to leverage the scandal. Future water and soil test results, particularly those conducted by independent bodies or corroborating USKOK's findings, will be crucial in establishing the true extent of contamination and challenging government claims. Finally, the actions of environmental groups and local initiatives like 'Gospic Is Our Home' will determine if sustained public pressure can force a more rapid and transparent remediation process, potentially leading to further demonstrations if demands are not met.

Bottom Line

Tens of thousands of Croatian citizens have publicly demonstrated against the government's prolonged inaction regarding 37,000 metric tons of illegally dumped toxic waste in Gospic. Despite arrests made in February 2025 and an anti-corruption agency report confirming PFAS and elevated metal contamination in soil and groundwater, significant waste remains. The government's claims of no contamination conflict directly with expert findings, fueling widespread public distrust and political criticism against Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic. The environmental risks are substantial, with the region's karst terrain threatening to spread pollutants towards the Adriatic Sea, impacting both public health and the vital tourism sector. The situation highlights a systemic failure in waste management and regulatory oversight, prompting demands for immediate, transparent cleanup plans and accountability. The coming weeks will test the government's capacity to deliver a credible and effective response to a crisis that has become a major national concern.