In what is being described as a landmark ruling, European Union chiefs have approved new rules that will clamp down on the use of plastic bags.
The move is seen as an attempt to eradicate carrier bags that are hazardous for the environment.
Member states have set the 28 countries of the EU a deadline of 2025 to meet the target of an 80-per-cent reduction in their usage, which can be achieved through the introduction of bans or charges.
On Monday, EU members approved regulations that may mean that consumers will be obliged to use sturdier, reusable bags or face extra charges.
Danish Green MEP Margrete Auken, who pushed the legislation through Parliament, has called the approval "a historic breakthrough in tackling the pervasive problem of plastic waste".
Five years ago, EU citizens used an average of 198 plastic carrier bags per year.
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