Approaches for a Circular Economy in European Union and Its Effects in Third Countries: Promoting a Values-based Dialogue Between the EU and Latin America?

The United Nations and the European Union are natural partners, once the European Union’s external actions are guided by the principles that have consolidated its own creation, and that are also enshrined in the United Nations Charter and in International Law. The European Union approach for implementing sustainable development and consequently the 2030 Agenda runs through the achievement of a circular economy, but the plastic pollution problem – a global transboundary crisis – arises as a challenge and an obstacle to implement sustainable development across the world. In attempts to handle the situation, the European Union, despite of its advanced and innovative strategies on circular economy and plastics, has been permissive when it comes to exporting plastic waste towards third countries, increasing insecurity and inequality issues abroad. This study, through a qualitative approach, with bibliographical and documental research, intends to demonstrate that, since the very founding values and principles of the European Union forbid it to be conniving with such practices, while actively participating in the negotiations for the future Plastics Treaty, the European Union must look inwards and glimpse this moment as an opportunity for improving its strategies and promoting a values-based dialogue with third countries. It concludes that, by doing so, the EU could be recognized as a global exporter of positive values, leading a fair and equal transition for a future without plastic pollution.