The European Commission’s initiative in plastics pollution reduction and awareness raising is the overall winner in the European Ombudsman’s 2019 Award for Good Administration, announced at a ceremony in Brussels by the Ombudsman Emily O’Reilly.

Prizes in six other categories – including communications and open administration - were also awarded from a total of 54 nominations from across the EU administration.

The Award for Good Administration recognises actions by the EU public administration that have a visible and direct positive impact on the lives of citizens.

“I am delighted to present the 2019 Award to the teams in DG Grow and DG Environment for their work on this issue,” said the Ombudsman.

“There is growing public consciousness about the devastating effects of climate breakdown and the need to change our everyday habits to protect the environment. The Commission’s plastics reduction strategy - executed by its internal market