Europe's Circular Economy "network of networks" rises to the challenge of circular transition

Circular Economy Stakeholder Conference:
Success Stories and New Challenges
Brussels , 07/03/2019
Pix :
Credit : Jasper Jacobs / Isopix

More than 350 circular economy stakeholders from across Europe shared their success stories and the challenges they face during the second day of the Circular Economy Stakeholder Conference, hosted by the European Economic and Social Committee on 7 March 2019.

Opening this second day, EESC member Cillian Lohan called on participants to reflect on a key question for the development of the Circular Economy: "who is going to drive the change? Should it be consumers, business or policy makers: who should go first?" 

While all three need to play an equal role once the Circular Economy is implemented, said Lohan,I would argue that in making the initial change responsibility should not be put on the consumer. It is changes in business practices, supported by policy changes and policy infrastructure that will actually create the environment where consumers have the affordable and accessible options that will allow them to make circular, sustainable choices , he stressed.

Smoking provides an example of a massive cultural behaviour change brought about by a change of policy: there has never been a better time to stop smoking than now because all the infrastructure supports you in that, argued Lohan.

Ladeja Godina Košir ,Chair of the European Circular Economy Stakeholder Platform, called on participants to make the most of the Platform as a support network to help solve the problems they encounter in their Circular Economy projects:  We want to be the network of networks for everyone. You don't have to be a star and celebrate your success – you can share your worries and problems. We do not have the answers – therefore it is important to ask the right questions. And to have a community where this is allowed.

Joanna Drake, Deputy Director General, DG Environment, stressed the crucial role of stakeholder involvement in the European Commission's Circular Economy initiatives: part of their success is a focus on a bottom-up approach calling on support and engagement with stakeholders through cooperation, platforms, exchanges of best practices and voluntary business approaches, she said. In January, the World Economic Forum rewarded the European Commission for its global leadership on the Circular Economy. We truly feel that this prize belongs to all of you as well.

 Discussions split up in 8 interactive workshops focusing on the following topics:

The day closed with the launch of the Kindred Spirits exhibition, displaying the photographs of Suzanne Jongmans that recreate Old Masters with intricate costumes using recycled plastics, old blankets and used packaging.

Participants were also inspired by an unconventional speech on suggestions for navigating what's next in the Circular Economy speech by Rieta Aliredjo, Chair of the Stars-are-circular Foundation: be curious; aware; generous and playful.

Reports with findings from each workshop will be published shortly on the Circular Economy Stakeholder Platform website, while the Kindred Spirits exhibition remains open to visit until March 29th.

See the video of the day here