The European Commission has announced a series of drastic initiatives aimed at driving the European Union towards a full-scale circular economy in its strategic drive to become a global leader in sustainable resource use by 2030.
These measures pave the way for the groundbreaking circular economy law scheduled for 2026, forming part of the EU’s broader climate and competitive goals under competitive compasses and clean industry transactions.
The EU aims to double the share of recycled materials in the economy through advocacy practices such as reuse, recycling and remanufacturing. This is an ambitious step towards climate neutrality by 2050.
Jessica Roswall, commissioner of the environment, water resilience and competitive circular economy, underscored the importance of strategy.
“As we shape circular economy law, we want to embed the opinions of businesses, citizens and other stakeholders in our society and the economy as a whole.”
Strategic dialogue and action plans have begun
The committee has launched a high-level strategic dialogue on circularity, consistent with a new legislative package to increase resource efficiency.
Headline initiatives include a more stringent waste shipping regulations and a rating of the Waste Electronics (WEEE) directive.
This multifaceted approach illustrates coordinated efforts to strengthen existing policies while laying the foundations of circular economy law.
Public consultations and calls for evidence have also been unfolded, inviting stakeholders to shape the law through 2026.
Reduce costs and risks through circular practices
For EU manufacturers who spend more than twice as much material as labor or energy, the circular economy offers important opportunities to reduce costs and increase resilience.
As many industries rely on imported raw materials, circulation practices help reduce supply disruptions and price fluctuations.
In addition to economic benefits, the circulation strategy has been crucial to the EU’s sustainability roadmap, allowing it to achieve up to 25% of the greenhouse gas emission reductions needed to reach climate neutrality.
Digital waste shipping system to replace paper by 2026
One of the committee’s major innovations is the deployment of a digital waste shipping system that is set to fully operate by May 2026.
This digital transition streamlines cross-border waste movement within the EU, reduces deficits and enhances traceability. It will control illegal shipping and ensure that waste is disposed of in the most efficient facilities.
The committee has also launched public consultations to harmonize the classification of “green listings” waste. Consultations will be open until October 31, 2025 via the EU’s “Have Your Say” portal.
Tackling the e-waste challenge
E-waste, which increases by around 2% each year, continues to be one of the most pressing waste problems in the EU.
In response, the committee has published a detailed assessment of the WEEE directive, which governs e-waste management. The findings reveal that almost half of e-waste has not been collected and recycling rates have not yet reached the targets of many member countries.
This review requires improved strategies to improve collection, treatment and market incentives. This is an important step to restore critical raw materials and strengthening the circular economy.
This assessment directly informs the future revision of the WEEE Directive and the structure of the Circulation Economic Act.
What’s next?
In the coming days, the committee will announce additional rules to improve recycling efficiency and material recovery from batteries. This is another important resource for green transitions. Continuous stakeholder involvement through public consultations will continue to shape future laws.
With today’s dialogue and support measures, the EU not only accelerates its transition to a circular economy, but is also building a more competitive, resilient, and climate-neutral future.
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