We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
European Circular Economy Policy-Making in Sustainability and Resource Management Development
Summary
This study analyzed the development of circular economy policy across EU countries using circularity indicators, finding that high circularity scores do not necessarily correlate with lower environmental impact. The EU as a whole consumes the majority of global materials and generates 43% of emissions, highlighting gaps between circularity metrics and actual sustainability.
The study examines the development policy of the circular economy using the example of European Union countries based on the results of their circularity indicators. The respective countries fall into the “shift” country profile according to the distribution from the Global Circularity Gap, being consumers of the majority of global materials and generating 43% of emissions. Through the grouping of EU countries, it was found that high-circularity indicators do not necessarily determine a country's level of environmental friendliness. It has been identified that countries with high resource productivity levels (ranging from 5.8811 to 2.1397%), provided they have high and medium levels of product processing and investment in circular economy development, do not always have a positive impact on the environment. The corresponding research has led to the conclusion that the significant negative impact of the overproduction of goods and excessive resource consumption in European countries, which necessitates appropriate changes in societal activities. There is a need to adjust the policy directions of EU countries to stimulate their sustainable development in a closed-loop economy context, taking into account the specific characteristics and opportunities of each country, which will ensure a more effective adaptation to the implemented innovations. The results of this research can be applied to shaping the circular economy development policy and developing proposals for directions in societal development based on raising awareness about the consequences of interactions with the environment.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
European environment policy for the circular economy: Implications for business and industry stakeholders
This review evaluates recent European Union circular economy policies and their implications for businesses seeking to reduce environmental impact through sustainable production and supply chain practices. It identifies both opportunities and challenges for companies attempting to implement circular economy principles in compliance with new EU environmental directives.
The Circular Economy in EU Policy as a Response to Contemporary Ecological Challenges
This article reviews how EU countries are implementing circular economy policies and progress toward reducing plastic waste, finding large variation across member states. Shifting from linear to circular plastic economies is critical for reducing the production of waste that generates microplastics.
Plastic waste as a challenge for sustainable development and circularity in the European Union
This review examines the plastic waste crisis in the European Union, evaluating gaps between recycling policy ambitions and actual outcomes. It argues that without major improvements in waste management infrastructure and circular economy practices, plastics will continue to fragment into microplastics and contaminate European ecosystems.
The rate of use of the Circular Economy in individual sectors
Not relevant to microplastics — this paper reviews the adoption of circular economy principles across industrial sectors within the European Union policy framework, without specific focus on plastic pollution.
Are Soft Legal Measures in Circular Economy Action Plans Enough to Permeate EU Strong Economic Core Regulations Bringing Systemic Sustainable Change?
Researchers conducted a legal analysis of the European Union's 2015 and 2020 Circular Economy Action Plans, examining whether these policy frameworks are designed to drive genuine systemic change or are constrained by market-oriented economic principles. The study finds that most measures rely on soft, voluntary approaches that may not be strong enough to overcome the EU's core economic regulations prioritizing growth over sustainability.