NEWS ON OUR ACTIVITIES: Civil society and the road to the Circular Economy Act

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A research project by Matilda Meaney

Well before the European Commission announced that its first ever Circular Economy Act would be published in the third quarter of 2026, civil society (1) was already working tirelessly to bring the circular economy out from the margins and into mainstream thinking about how to organise economies and communities.

This is the main reason why Matilda Meaney, a trainee with the Civil Society Organisations’ Group of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) from February to July 2026, decided to devote a research project to civil society’s impact on the development of circular economy legislation in the European Union. Here’s what she found out.

From grassroots action to EU policy

In June 2026, the EESC adopted an exploratory opinion regarding the expected Circular Economy Act, for which Cillian Lohan, the president of the Civil Society Organisations’ Group, was the rapporteur. The opinion set out clear recommendations from civil society on what the act should include.

But to reach the point of the Commission announcing such an act and requesting an exploratory opinion from the EESC, civil society had to push for the adoption of the circular economy by framing it within pre-existing economics-centred values in the policy community, engaging in stakeholder networks and participating in collaborative policy-making. Discussions held in stakeholder networks have been part of two-way policy-making, such as the European Circular Economy Stakeholder Platform, a joint initiative between the European Commission and the EESC. Civil society members of platforms such as this have been offering policymakers their advice and knowledge from on the ground as well as encouraging and empowering citizens to engage in circular practices, directly expanding the circular economy.

By contributing to the circular economy and increasing the number of circular companies and jobs, citizens and civil society have provided policymakers with further evidence that the circular economy is worth adopting.

Overcoming setbacks

Business and economic interests have also been part of the circular economy policy debate. In 2014, the European Commission presented its first legislative package with the circular economy at the forefront. The proposal attracted a range of views from business representatives and other stakeholders. The Commission subsequently withdrew the proposal as part of the preparation of a revised and broader initiative. The withdrawal prompted disappointment among civil society organisations and some business, industry and waste-sector groups, several of which continued to call for stronger circular economy measures. In 2015, the Commission published its first circular economy action plan. 

A new opportunity for Europe

More than ten years on, the Circular Economy Act will address both competitiveness and environmental policy. This means that a shared commitment across institutions, businesses, workers' and other civil society organisations will be crucial to ensure its success.

Looking back at progress made towards circularity, Cillian Lohan describes it as visible but insufficient. He says, Europe’s circularity rate stood at only 11.8% in 2023, while the Commission has set a target of doubling that rate to 24% by 2030, and there is much still to be done on the path towards circularity. The Circular Economy Act has the potential to bridge this gap between targets and reality. With committed collaboration between policymakers, businesses, workers' and other civil society organisations, the act can become the milestone it aspires to be for competitiveness, resilient communities and sustainable development in Europe.

1. Civil society comprises the organised and voluntary activities of citizens and their associations, independent of public authorities, through which people represent their interests, participate in public life and contribute to democratic decision-making. It includes NGOs, consumer organisations, environmental organisations, youth organisations, associations representing persons with disabilities, women’s organisations, social economy operators, professional associations, farmers’ organisations, and the social partners (employers’ and workers’ organisations)

The entire research project 'How does civil society have an impact on circular economy legislation in the European Union?' can be downloaded at the bottom of this page.

Matilda MEANEY

Trainee from February to July 2026,

EESC Civil Society Organisations’ Group Secretariat