{"id":2012509,"date":"2026-06-26T10:16:30","date_gmt":"2026-06-26T07:16:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2012509"},"modified":"2026-06-26T10:16:30","modified_gmt":"2026-06-26T07:16:30","slug":"eu-investigators-seize-4200-tonnes-of-textile-waste-illegally-shipped-to-turkey-from-italy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2012509","title":{"rendered":"EU investigators seize 4,200 tonnes of textile waste illegally shipped to Turkey from Italy"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/81\/34\/79\/1200x675_cmsv2_51051cd4-dde8-52af-8601-be07a38be07e-9813479.jpg&#8221;]<\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2904940-pos1-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1 the-media-object--has-video\" data-nid=\"2904940\" data-cid=\"9814492\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2904940-label-pos1-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/81\/37\/31\/189x106_cmsv2_25f528fe-373a-59d4-aa12-1fb73162a009-9813731.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"With rising temperatures in France, pets and wild animals are exposed to serious risks.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Climate<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Heatwave in Paris: Vet treats pets suffering from the heat\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2905143-pos2-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2905143\" data-cid=\"9814632\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2905143-label-pos2-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/81\/46\/32\/189x106_cmsv2_d5cb4fb6-9748-5d29-8a7b-73d8f04dfe02-9814632.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Pedestrians walk next to a mist machine in Thisio district of Athens during a heatwave, July 2025.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    The Cube<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Air con or not? The facts behind the politicised battle to stay cool\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2905180-pos3-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2905180\" data-cid=\"9814919\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2905180-label-pos3-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/81\/49\/19\/189x106_cmsv2_f98c71b5-beb7-5025-8386-2d4833220665-9814919.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen speaks during a media conference at EU headquarters in Brussels, 13 April 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    World News<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Von der Leyen to visit Azerbaijan and Armenia to build on EU engagement\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2905178-pos4-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1 the-media-object--has-video\" data-nid=\"2905178\" data-cid=\"9814917\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2905178-label-pos4-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/81\/49\/17\/189x106_cmsv2_b908cfa6-2d30-5c85-9f7a-2a3a4bfdbe1c-9814917.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"A coordinated swarm of drones advances during a South Korean Air Force exercise on June 23, 2026.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    South Korea<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Watch: South Korea holds first live-fire drill against drone swarms\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2904940-pos1-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--has-video\" data-nid=\"2904940\" data-cid=\"9814492\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2904940-label-pos1-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/81\/37\/31\/189x106_cmsv2_25f528fe-373a-59d4-aa12-1fb73162a009-9813731.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"With rising temperatures in France, pets and wild animals are exposed to serious risks.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Climate<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Heatwave in Paris: Vet treats pets suffering from the heat\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2905143-pos2-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2\" data-nid=\"2905143\" data-cid=\"9814632\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2905143-label-pos2-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/81\/46\/32\/189x106_cmsv2_d5cb4fb6-9748-5d29-8a7b-73d8f04dfe02-9814632.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Pedestrians walk next to a mist machine in Thisio district of Athens during a heatwave, July 2025.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    The Cube<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Air con or not? The facts behind the politicised battle to stay cool\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2905180-pos3-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2\" data-nid=\"2905180\" data-cid=\"9814919\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2905180-label-pos3-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/81\/49\/19\/189x106_cmsv2_f98c71b5-beb7-5025-8386-2d4833220665-9814919.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen speaks during a media conference at EU headquarters in Brussels, 13 April 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    World News<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Von der Leyen to visit Azerbaijan and Armenia to build on EU engagement\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2905178-pos4-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--has-video\" data-nid=\"2905178\" data-cid=\"9814917\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2905178-label-pos4-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/81\/49\/17\/189x106_cmsv2_b908cfa6-2d30-5c85-9f7a-2a3a4bfdbe1c-9814917.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"A coordinated swarm of drones advances during a South Korean Air Force exercise on June 23, 2026.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    South Korea<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Watch: South Korea holds first live-fire drill against drone swarms\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"helper-site-row o-article-newsy\">\n<div class=\"helper-site-container o-article-newsy__container\">\n<div class=\"o-article-newsy__main\">\n<header class=\"h-grid o-article-newsy__main__header\">\n<nav aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\" class=\"c-article-breadcrumbs\">\n<div id=\"adb-article-breadcrumb\" class=\"c-article-breadcrumbs__list\">\n<p>                          Europe<\/p>\n<p>                          Europe News<\/p><\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<h1 class=\"c-article-redesign-title\">\n                            EU investigators seize 4,200 tonnes of textile waste illegally shipped to Turkey from Italy<\/h1>\n<div class=\"c-article-image-video u-position-relative \">\n<div class=\"js-superdiv u-aspect-ratio-16x9 u-position-relative \" data-sponsored=\"Partner content\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"js-poster-img c-article-media__img\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/81\/34\/79\/1536x864_cmsv2_51051cd4-dde8-52af-8601-be07a38be07e-9813479.jpg\" width=\"1536\" height=\"864\" loading=\"eager\" alt=\"Cows stand on the dumpsite where textile waste ends up at Old Fadama in Accra, Ghana, Oct. 19, 2024.\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-caption u-position-absolute\"><i id=\"article-caption-content\" class=\"c-article-caption__content\"><span class=\"c-article-caption__text\"><br \/>\n              Cows stand on the dumpsite where textile waste ends up at Old Fadama in Accra, Ghana, Oct. 19, 2024.<br \/>\n                    <span class=\"u-color-white\">&#8211;\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"c-article-caption__copyright\">Copyright\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"c-article-caption__credit\">AP Photo \/ Misper Apawu<\/span><\/span><\/i><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-image-copyright c-article-image-copyright--novideo\">\n      Copyright\u00a0AP Photo \/ Misper Apawu\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/header>\n<div class=\"h-grid o-article-newsy__main__body u-article-content\">\n<div class=\"o-article-newsy__contributors-publication-date\">\n<div class=\"c-article-contributors\">\n  By&amp;nbspMarta Pacheco\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-publication-date\" data-timestamp=\"1782468990\">\n         Published on<br \/>\n            <time datetime=\"2026-06-26 12:16:30 +02:00\">26\/06\/2026 &#8211; 12:16 GMT+2<\/time><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-share-comment u-align-items-center u-display-flex\"><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__links u-align-items-center u-display-flex u-justify-content-center js-c-article-share-comment-share\"><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__label\">Share<\/span><\/span><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__label\">Comments<\/span><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__label c-article-share-comment__label--always\">Add Euronews on Google<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-share-comment-popup-overlay js-c-article-share-comment-popup-overlay u-display-none\">\n<div id=\"js-c-article-share-comment-popup\" class=\"c-article-share-comment-popup js-c-article-share-comment-popup\">\n<div 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width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"threads\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-whatsapp.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"whatsapp\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Whatsapp<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-whatsapp.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"whatsapp\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"c-article-summary\">\n        Inspectors discovered an additional\u00a02,100 tonnes\u00a0of textile waste stored in a warehouse linked to a Turkish recycling facility that was noncompliant with environmental laws. Meanwhile, France is urging EU countries to get tough on ultra-fast fashion.<br \/>\n    <\/h2>\n<div class=\"c-article-content js-article-content\">\n<p>European anti-fraud investigators have helped uncover a large-scale scheme that illegally exported 4,200 tonnes of textile waste from Italy to Turkey, exposing what authorities describe as a profitable operation designed to evade environmental laws and recycling costs. <\/p>\n<div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-mobile-only\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt loading=\"lazy\"><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-desktop\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt loading=\"lazy\"><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>The investigation, led by the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) in cooperation with Italy&#8217;s Carabinieri and Turkish customs authorities, focused on textile waste containing high levels of acrylic fibres. <\/p>\n<p>Because these synthetic materials persist in the environment for up to 200 years and require more sophisticated recycling processes, they are subject to strict and costly disposal rules. <\/p>\n<p>Investigators found that shipments had allegedly been mislabelled to avoid those requirements. <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Schemes such as this one that offer ways to illegally avoid the cost of recycling certain kinds of textile waste or complying with environmental rules are an opportunity for organised networks to make illegal gains,&#8221; said OLAF&#8217;s director general Petr Klement.<\/p>\n<div class=\"c-widget-related\" data-stories-id data-event=\"widget_related\">\n<div class=\"c-widget-related__title\"><b class=\"c-widget-related__title__text\" lang=\"en\">Related<\/b><\/div>\n<ul class=\"c-widget-related__list\">\n<li class=\"c-widget-related__item\">Brewed Protein: How this Japanese innovation is set to revolutionise sustainable fashion <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<p>Klement described the case as evidence of the growing importance of international cooperation in combating environmental crime and protecting both the economy and the environment. <\/p>\n<p>Using trade-flow analysis, customs data and assessments of recycling capacity, OLAF identified suspicious consignments and alerted Turkish authorities. Inspections upon arrival revealed approximately 4,200 tonnes of textile waste that had been illegally shipped from Italy. <\/p>\n<p>Clothing is increasingly treated as disposable, placing growing pressure on European collection, sorting and recycling systems. Much of the discarded clothing eventually ends up in landfills or incinerators, both in Europe and in countries of the Global South that receive second-hand textile exports.<\/p>\n<h2>The investigation deepens<\/h2>\n<p>The investigation deepened during a joint inspection in Turkey involving OLAF officials, Italian environmental specialists and Turkish authorities. <\/p>\n<p>In addition to the original 4,200-tonne haul, inspectors discovered nearly 2,100 tonnes of textile waste stored in a warehouse linked to a recycling facility that allegedly failed to comply with Turkish environmental laws and another stockpile that had arrived separately.<\/p>\n<p>But the piles of illegal textile waste investigators found didn&#8217;t end there. <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;A further 768 tonnes of textile waste originating from Italy and connected to the same fraudulent scheme were found stored in the Turkish port of Mersin, also incorrectly labelled and ready to be illegally dumped,&#8221; reads OLAF&#8217;s statement.<\/p>\n<p>The operation has produced significant enforcement action in Italy. <\/p>\n<p>This week, the Carabinieri raided a business complex in Brescia linked to the suspected exports, according to OLAF. Authorities seized company facilities, a fleet of trucks allegedly used in the operation and approximately \u20ac12 million in financial assets. <\/p>\n<h2>Textile waste in the EU<\/h2>\n<p>The EU textile and clothing sector generated \u20ac170 billion in turnover in 2023 and employs around 1.3 million people, yet textile waste remains difficult and expensive to recycle. <\/p>\n<p>In 2019, Europe generated roughly 12.6 million tonnes of textile waste, but only about one-fifth was separately collected for reuse or recycling. <\/p>\n<p>In response, the European Commission introduced new textile-waste management rules in 2025 aimed at preventing waste from being falsely labelled as reusable goods and exported abroad. <\/p>\n<p>The legislation strengthens oversight of textile shipments and enhances OLAF\u2019s role in supporting investigations into waste trafficking. <\/p>\n<p>In a recent effort to pressure the Commission into further action, a coalition of five EU member states led by France launched a coordinated crackdown on ultra-fast fashion. <\/p>\n<p>In a document seen by Euronews, the group of countries warned that the rapidly expanding business model threatens environmental goals, overwhelms waste systems and fuels unsustainable consumer behavior.<\/p>\n<div class=\"c-widget-related\" data-stories-id data-event=\"widget_related\">\n<div class=\"c-widget-related__title\"><b class=\"c-widget-related__title__text\" lang=\"en\">Related<\/b><\/div>\n<ul class=\"c-widget-related__list\">\n<li class=\"c-widget-related__item\">France considers \u20ac2 fast-fashion import tax affecting Shein and Temu as EU drags its feet<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<p>&#8220;Strengthen oversight and control of online platforms, reinforce market surveillance and close enforcement gaps under the Circular Economy Act and the Market Surveillance Regulation,&#8221; the five governments urged, reflecting concerns over the influx of ultra-fast fashion that arrives in Europe from Chinese platforms like Shein and Temu.<\/p>\n<p>Other requests to the Commission include &#8220;additional performance requirements&#8221; under the EU textile waste rules, supporting the transition to a closed-loop recycling system and the reinforcement of extended producer responsibility schemes.<\/p>\n<p>The five countries argue that these practices drive overconsumption and generate enormous volumes of textile waste. <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;We are relatively ahead in this area and we are pleased to be able to share our experience and how Europe can move forward together on this topic as well,&#8221; said the French ecological transition minister Monique Barbut on the sidelines of a gathering of environment ministers on 25 June.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>                                  Go to accessibility shortcuts<\/p>\n<div class=\"c-article-share-comment u-align-items-center u-display-flex\"><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__links u-align-items-center u-display-flex u-justify-content-center js-c-article-share-comment-share\"><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__label\">Share<\/span><\/span><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__label\">Comments<\/span><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__label c-article-share-comment__label--always\">Add Euronews on Google<\/span><\/div>\n<div id=\"adb-article-you-might-also-like\" class=\"perf-cv-auto c-article-you-might-also-like\">\n<h2 class=\"c-article-you-might-also-like__title\">\n        Read more<br \/>\n      <\/h2>\n<div class=\"c-article-you-might-also-like__item\">\n<h3>\n<p>                  French Senate backs law to regulate ultra fast fashion giants Shein and Temu<\/p>\n<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-you-might-also-like__item\">\n<h3>\n<p>                  Tariffs: Europe&#8217;s textile sector holds its breath<\/p>\n<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-you-might-also-like__item\">\n<h3>\n<p>                  MEPs agree to get tough on fast fashion over environmental impact<\/p>\n<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"perf-cv-auto\">\n<ul id=\"adb-article-tags\" class=\"c-tags-list\">\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<section class=\"tc-cta\" data-twig-component=\"Cta-default\">\n  fast fashion<br \/>\n<\/section>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<section class=\"tc-cta\" data-twig-component=\"Cta-default\">\n  EU Policy<br \/>\n<\/section>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<section class=\"tc-cta\" data-twig-component=\"Cta-default\">\n  Textiles<br \/>\n<\/section>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<section class=\"tc-cta\" data-twig-component=\"Cta-default\">\n  European Union<br \/>\n<\/section>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<section class=\"tc-cta\" data-twig-component=\"Cta-default\">\n  waste<br \/>\n<\/section>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<section class=\"tc-cta\" data-twig-component=\"Cta-default\">\n  OLAF<br \/>\n<\/section>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"o-article-newsy__aside\">\n<div class=\"c-ad-wrapper o-article-newsy__aside__content-1\" data-ad-name=\"adzone-halfpage\">\n<div class=\"c-ad c-ad-halfpage u-show-for-desktop\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-mobile-only\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"adb-article-top-stories\" class=\"perf-cv-auto c-top-stories\">\n<h2 class=\"c-top-stories__title\">Top stories<\/h2>\n<div class=\"c-top-stories__item\">\n<article id=\"abe-2905123-pos2-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2905123\" data-cid=\"9814561\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2905123-label-pos2-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/81\/45\/61\/320x180_cmsv2_39f3ae41-e9ae-5532-af36-5bbc3f91f055-9814561.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"The sanctions package targes oil, fisheries and Patriarch Kirill.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Oil, cod, Kirill: friction points emerge in new EU sanctions on Russia<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-top-stories__item\">\n<article id=\"abe-2905001-pos3-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2905001\" data-cid=\"9814034\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2905001-label-pos3-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/81\/40\/34\/320x180_cmsv2_b019156c-9fec-5f4a-9780-a26843c9b709-9814034.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Ukrainian citizens at the border crossing in Medyka, Poland\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    EU to exclude military-age Ukrainian men from temporary protection<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-top-stories__item\">\n<article id=\"abe-2905017-pos4-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" 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id=\"abe-2905180-label-pos5-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/81\/49\/19\/320x180_cmsv2_f98c71b5-beb7-5025-8386-2d4833220665-9814919.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen speaks during a media conference at EU headquarters in Brussels, 13 April 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Von der Leyen to visit Azerbaijan and Armenia to build on EU engagement<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-top-stories__item\">\n<article id=\"abe-2905134-pos6-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2905134\" data-cid=\"9814623\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2905134-label-pos6-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/81\/46\/23\/320x180_cmsv2_6616c891-00ba-579d-a005-2ff7eb9ddde7-9814623.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"FILE: A plume of black smoke is seen over the port of St. Petersburg, Russia, June 3, 2026, after a Ukrainian drone attack.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Ukraine launches 40-day operation to \u2018pressure Russia to end the war\u2019<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"perf-cv-auto c-ad-wrapper o-article-newsy__aside__content-2\" data-ad-name=\"adzone-halfpage\">\n<div class=\"c-ad c-ad-halfpage u-show-for-desktop\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-mobile-only\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"perf-cv-auto c-most-viewed\">\n<h2 class=\"c-most-viewed__title qa-section-title\">Most read<\/h2>\n<div class=\"c-most-viewed__list\">\n<div class=\"c-most-viewed__item\"><span class=\"c-most-viewed__item__number\">1<\/span><\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2904793-pos1-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2904793\" data-cid=\"9812860\" 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data-nid=\"2904993\" data-cid=\"9813977\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Projectile hits cargo ship in Hormuz as Iran issues renewed warning<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-most-viewed__item\"><span class=\"c-most-viewed__item__number\">4<\/span><\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2900867-pos4-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2900867\" data-cid=\"9804724\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    &#8216;Flesh-rotting&#8217; bacteria could spread on Europe&#8217;s beaches as seas warm<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-most-viewed__item\"><span class=\"c-most-viewed__item__number\">5<\/span><\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2904094-pos5-mostViewed\" 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decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2905123-pos2-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2905123\" data-cid=\"9814561\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2905123-label-pos2-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/81\/45\/61\/320x180_cmsv2_39f3ae41-e9ae-5532-af36-5bbc3f91f055-9814561.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"The sanctions package targes oil, fisheries and Patriarch Kirill.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Oil, cod, Kirill: friction points emerge in new EU sanctions on Russia<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2905001-pos3-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2905001\" data-cid=\"9814034\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2905001-label-pos3-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/81\/40\/34\/320x180_cmsv2_b019156c-9fec-5f4a-9780-a26843c9b709-9814034.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Ukrainian citizens at the border crossing in Medyka, Poland\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    EU to exclude military-age Ukrainian men from temporary protection<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2905017-pos4-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2905017\" data-cid=\"9814097\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2905017-label-pos4-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/81\/40\/97\/320x180_cmsv2_c495fb52-8864-5c08-af84-31c3aa512460-9814097.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"David Lammy, UK Deputy Prime Minister &amp; Maria Tadeo, Euronews\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    UK foreign policy will not change after government transition &#8211; Lammy<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2905180-pos5-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2905180\" data-cid=\"9814919\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2905180-label-pos5-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/81\/49\/19\/320x180_cmsv2_f98c71b5-beb7-5025-8386-2d4833220665-9814919.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen speaks during a media conference at EU headquarters in Brussels, 13 April 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Von der Leyen to visit Azerbaijan and Armenia to build on EU engagement<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2905134-pos6-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2905134\" data-cid=\"9814623\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2905134-label-pos6-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/81\/46\/23\/320x180_cmsv2_6616c891-00ba-579d-a005-2ff7eb9ddde7-9814623.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"FILE: A plume of black smoke is seen over the port of St. Petersburg, Russia, June 3, 2026, after a Ukrainian drone attack.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Ukraine launches 40-day operation to \u2018pressure Russia to end the war\u2019<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2904793-pos1-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2904793\" data-cid=\"9812860\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    North Korean soldier crosses demilitarised zone into South Korea<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2904505-pos2-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2904505\" data-cid=\"9811457\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Cate Blanchett launches free tool to protect identity from AI<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2904993-pos3-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2904993\" data-cid=\"9813977\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Projectile hits cargo ship in Hormuz as Iran issues renewed warning<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2900867-pos4-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2900867\" data-cid=\"9804724\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    &#8216;Flesh-rotting&#8217; bacteria could spread on Europe&#8217;s beaches as seas warm<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2904094-pos5-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2904094\" data-cid=\"9809129\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Which European countries are the cheapest and most expensive?<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"articleBody\" data-key=\"articleBody\">European anti-fraud investigators have helped uncover a large-scale scheme that illegally exported 4,200 tonnes\u00a0of textile waste from Italy to Turkey, exposing what authorities describe as a profitable operation designed to evade environmental laws and recycling costs.\u00a0The investigation, led by the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) in cooperation with Italy&#8217;s Carabinieri and Turkish customs authorities, focused on textile waste containing high levels of acrylic fibres.Because these synthetic materials persist in the environment for up to 200 years and require more sophisticated recycling processes, they are subject to strict and costly disposal rules.Investigators found that shipments had allegedly been mislabelled to avoid those requirements.\u00a0&#8220;Schemes such as this one that offer ways to illegally avoid the cost of recycling certain kinds of textile waste or complying with environmental rules are an opportunity for organised networks to make illegal gains,&#8221; said OLAF&#8217;s director general Petr Klement.Klement described the case as evidence of the growing importance of international cooperation in combating environmental crime and protecting both the economy and the environment.\u00a0Using trade-flow analysis, customs data and assessments of recycling capacity, OLAF identified suspicious consignments and alerted Turkish authorities. Inspections upon arrival revealed approximately\u00a04,200 tonnes\u00a0of textile waste that had been illegally shipped from Italy.\u00a0Clothing is increasingly treated as disposable, placing growing pressure on European collection, sorting and recycling systems. Much of the discarded clothing eventually ends up in landfills or incinerators, both in Europe and in countries of the Global South that receive second-hand textile exports.The investigation deepensThe investigation deepened during a joint inspection in Turkey involving OLAF officials, Italian environmental specialists and Turkish authorities.\u00a0In addition to the original 4,200-tonne haul, inspectors discovered nearly\u00a02,100 tonnes\u00a0of textile waste stored in a warehouse linked to a recycling facility that allegedly failed to comply with Turkish environmental laws and another stockpile that had arrived separately.But the piles of illegal textile waste investigators found didn&#8217;t end there.&#8221;A further 768 tonnes of textile waste originating from Italy and connected to the same fraudulent scheme were found stored in the Turkish port of Mersin, also incorrectly labelled\u00a0and ready to\u00a0be illegally dumped,&#8221; reads OLAF&#8217;s statement.The operation has produced significant enforcement action in Italy.This week, the Carabinieri raided a business complex in Brescia linked to the suspected exports, according to OLAF. Authorities seized company facilities, a fleet of trucks allegedly used in the operation and approximately\u00a0\u20ac12 million\u00a0in financial assets.\u00a0Textile waste in the EUThe EU textile and clothing sector generated\u00a0\u20ac170 billion\u00a0in turnover in 2023 and employs around\u00a01.3 million people, yet textile waste remains difficult and expensive to recycle.In 2019, Europe generated roughly\u00a012.6 million tonnes\u00a0of textile waste, but only about one-fifth was separately collected for reuse or recycling.\u00a0In response, the European Commission introduced new textile-waste management rules in 2025 aimed at preventing waste from being falsely labelled as reusable goods and exported abroad.The legislation strengthens oversight of textile shipments and enhances OLAF\u2019s role in supporting investigations into waste trafficking.\u00a0In a recent effort to pressure the Commission into further action, a\u00a0coalition of five EU member states led by France launched a coordinated crackdown on ultra-fast fashion.In a document seen by Euronews, the group of countries warned that the rapidly expanding business model threatens environmental goals, overwhelms waste systems and fuels unsustainable consumer behavior.&#8221;Strengthen oversight and control of online platforms, reinforce market surveillance and close enforcement gaps under the Circular Economy Act and the Market Surveillance Regulation,&#8221; the five governments urged, reflecting concerns over the influx of ultra-fast fashion that arrives in Europe from Chinese platforms like Shein and Temu.Other requests to the Commission include &#8220;additional performance requirements&#8221; under the EU textile waste rules, supporting the transition to a closed-loop recycling system and the reinforcement of extended producer responsibility schemes.The five countries argue that these practices drive overconsumption and generate enormous volumes of textile waste.&#8221;We are relatively ahead in this area and we are pleased to be able to share our experience and how Europe can move forward together on this topic as well,&#8221; said the French ecological transition minister Monique Barbut on the sidelines of a gathering of environment ministers on 25 June.<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/my-europe\/2026\/06\/26\/eu-investigators-seize-4200-tonnes-of-textile-waste-illegally-shipped-to-turkey-from-italy&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/81\/34\/79\/1200x675_cmsv2_51051cd4-dde8-52af-8601-be07a38be07e-9813479.jpg&#8221;] Climate Heatwave in Paris: Vet treats pets suffering from the heat The Cube Air con or not? 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