New sweeping initiatives are propelling the EU towards a circular economy
The European Commission has launched major initiatives to accelerate the EU’s shift to a circular economy, aiming for global leadership in sustainable resource use by 2030 and climate neutrality by 2050. These measures support the upcoming Circular Economy Act (2026) and align with broader climate and industrial goals. The strategy focuses on reuse, recycling, and remanufacturing to reduce material costs, cut emissions, and boost resilience. Key actions include a Digital Waste Shipment System to streamline cross-border waste tracking, updated waste shipment rules, and a review of the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive to improve e-waste collection and recycling. A public consultation invites input from businesses and citizens. The Commission stresses the importance of innovation, competitiveness, and stakeholder engagement in shaping legislation. Upcoming regulations will target better material recovery from batteries. These efforts mark a coordinated push to embed circularity across the EU economy and strengthen sustainability and economic security. Learn more about this initiative.
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