Yes, single-use plastic straws are banned across the European Union under the Single-Use Plastics Directive (EU 2019/904). This ban, which took effect in July 2021, prohibits the sale of plastic straws, cutlery, plates, and cotton bud sticks. In 2026, the ban is firmly established, though travelers will find that enforcement varies by country. While most restaurants and cafes have transitioned to paper, bamboo, or pasta straws, some establishments still struggle with compliance. The EU has also clarified that "biodegradable" plastic straws are also banned if they contain chemically modified polymers that do not fully break down in the natural environment. For travelers in 2026, it is common to see reusable metal or silicone straws sold as souvenirs, and many "takeaway" venues have moved toward "sipper lids" that eliminate the need for a straw entirely, reflecting a broader European cultural shift toward circular economy principles.