Protesters rally in Zagreb against planned poultry complex in Sisak-Moslavina County

A large protest titled “No to the Chicken Ecobomb!” was held in Zagreb on Saturday, with demonstrators voicing opposition to plans for major poultry facilities in Sisak-Moslavina County.

The rally, organized by Green Action, Friends of Animals and several civic initiatives, began at King Tomislav Square and moved to Zrinjevac for the main program. Organizers said they have the backing of 150 associations from Croatia and abroad.

At the center of the controversy is Premium Chicken Company’s proposed investment in the Sisak area, estimated at more than €600 million. The project includes a slaughterhouse with a capacity of around 84 million chickens per year. Opponents have also raised concerns about a possible biogas plant, although the company denies plans to build one.

Protesters are calling for a comprehensive environmental impact assessment covering all aspects of the project, a review of permits issued to date, and a suspension of state support for what they describe as harmful industrial investments.

Dora Sivka, president of Green Action, said the issue goes beyond a single county, arguing that the project represents a shift from small-scale, family-based farming toward large industrial facilities owned by foreign investors. Luka Oman, president of Friends of Animals, urged state authorities to intervene, warning of long-term risks to the environment, public health and local communities.

Protester Mira Radaković said Croatia already produces more than 85 percent of its poultry needs, questioning the need for additional large-scale production intended for export.

Most MP Miro Bulj, who attended the rally, described the project as harmful to Croatian farmers, the economy and the environment.

Organizers have announced a new protest in Sisak on April 25.