Controversial poultry project near Sisak facing legal hurdles

The prefect of Sisak-Moslavina County, Ivan Celjak, addressed growing concerns today over plans for a large, vertically integrated poultry production complex near the city of Sisak.

The project, supported by more than 600 million euros in investment from a Ukrainian company, has drawn significant public opposition due to potential environmental and safety risks. Residents and environmental groups have raised concerns about air and water pollution, odor, and the impact on local agriculture and communities.

"Chicken farms will not be included in the amendments to the Sisak-Moslavina County spatial plan. Regarding the City of Sisak, the County has issued a clear expert opinion. We have also submitted a separate opinion on the environmental impact study, which we believe does not comply with the law, as the proposed project conflicts with the City of Sisak’s spatial plan. In practical terms, this means there is no legal basis to build the factory within the City of Sisak. Therefore, there is no need for chicken farms elsewhere in the county," Celjak explained.

The controversy has already mobilized public action, with a protest planned in Zagreb on Saturday to voice opposition to the project.

The proposed poultry complex is part of a broader trend in Europe toward large-scale, industrialized farming. While investors argue such projects create jobs and boost local economies, critics warn that the environmental, social, and health impacts can be substantial, particularly in areas with smaller communities and sensitive ecosystems.