Environmental taxes do not only have a financial role, but their application has a significant impact on the environment, and ultimately on the survival of mankind. The problem of pollution goes beyond national, it is multinational and global, which requires joint resolution. The European Union as a community of countries is highly oriented to addressing this problem by introducing environmental taxes, thus affecting the behavior of every individual and business entity. This orientation is also causing the growth in employment in the branches associated with green energy, waste management, sustainable technology. Faced with tax burden, they will choose an economically advantageous solution that ultimately leads to an improvement in the state of the environment. By joining the EU, the Republic of Croatia gradually implements tax reforms and adjusts its tax system to the Union's legislation. Currently, the Republic of Croatia applies virtually all ecological taxation instruments as other member states. Extensive environmental taxes can replace work tax and thus contribute significantly to wage and living standards, growth in employment and accelerate economic development.