The Czech Republic has experienced many problems with the import of foreign waste, mainly coming from Germany. At the end of 2005 and beginning of 2006, 30,000 tons of waste was illegally imported into the country from Germany. Initially, the European Commission intended to liberalize the trade of waste. "After tough negotiations, we managed to assert the right of member states to restrict or even ban on the import of waste," said Czech Environment Minister Martin Bursík. Bursík was surprised that the Czech proposal was not backed by Slovakia, Poland and Hungary, all of which are Visegrad Four countries. "It is a surprise that none of the Visegrad Four member states supported our position, despite their own negative experiences with the import of waste," added Bursík. Ultimately, support was found elsewhere and the Czech position was asserted after a half-day battle at a meeting of the EU Environmental Council in June 2007. Until now, European legislators have not allowed EU member states to ban the import of waste for disposal and combustion. However, the EC did liberalize international transport of waste to incinerators in the draft of the new directive. The final version of the directive includes a possible ban. However, it must conform to national waste disposal plans. That would mean that the Czech Republic could continue to restrict or ban the import of waste not only to dumps but also to incinerators. "Imported waste should not displace domestic waste. This could lead to pressure to build new facilities and the Czech Republic could become Central Europe’s primary incinerator due to low costs," asserted Bursík. The Environment Ministry defended its position that waste should be disposed of as close as possible to its place of origin and definitely in its country of origin.