The European Union has approved new rules that clamp down on the use of flimsy plastic bags that are hazardous for the environment.

The 28 member nations have given final approval to the rules that mean consumers may be obliged to use sturdier, reusable bags or face extra charges.

Member states are required to reduce the use of such plastic bags by 80 per cent by 2025, but are given a choice on how to achieve that target.

Danish Green MEP Margrete Auken pushed the legislation through parliament and called the approval “a historic breakthrough in tackling the pervasive problem of plastic waste”.

It marks the first time there are EU-wide binding measures on the issue.

Five years ago, every EU citizen used an average of 198 such bags.