Most requested urgent and coordinated action by the competent authorities on Thursday, citing long-standing complaints from residents of Belišće and Valpovo regarding unpleasant odours and unresolved issues concerning waste management in the area. At the centre of the case is the company Livit, owned by former Economy Minister Ivan Vrdoljak.
Osijek-Baranja County revoked Livit's permit for managing non-hazardous waste at its Belišće site on 17 September. The company appealed the decision, so the proceedings are now being handled by the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Green Transition.
Most President Nikola Grmoja stated at a press conference in front of the Livit facility that no one should pass judgement prematurely, but that citizens have the right to receive answers. He conveyed that citizens have the right to know what air they are breathing, whether specific facilities are affecting the quality of their lives, and whether all regulations are being respected. He emphasised that there are competent ministries, the State Inspectorate and the State Attorney's Office. He said that regardless of who owns the company, what political office they once held, or who they are business-connected to, the criteria must be the same for everyone. If there is suspicion of irregularities, the competent bodies must verify it, Grmoja added.
President of Most Osijek, Viktor Škaro, reminded that Osijek-Baranja County had also revoked Livit's permit in April 2024, after which the company was allowed to resume operations a few months later. He said they expect the competent institutions to carry out the procedure to the end this time, and for citizens to receive a clear answer on what is permitted, what is not, and under what conditions the company can operate.
Osijek-Baranja County announced that prior to this year's revocation of the permit, it conducted an inspection and determined activities contrary to the decisions of the competent Ministry and the conditions of the permit. It stated that approximately 7,500 tonnes of waste for which Livit does not have an appropriate permit was found at the site, and the collected documentation was forwarded to the competent bodies.
County Councillor for Most, Josip Skočibušić, urged the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Green Transition to decide on Livit's appeal as soon as possible. He reminded of the criminal complaint filed by the State Inspectorate against Livit due to suspicion of criminal offences related to waste management. The Municipal State Attorney's Office in Osijek previously confirmed that it is conducting investigations to verify the allegations in the complaint. Skočibušić said they are not asking for premature judgements, but for institutions to do their job and inform citizens about it in a timely manner.
Residents of Belišće and Valpovo have been complaining for years about unpleasant odours associated with the area where a facility for processing waste sludge is located. Who is responsible, and to what extent, for the problems highlighted by the residents must be determined by the competent institutions.
