Circular Economy

This page is also available in:

The transition to a Circular Economy is high on the EESC agenda as a solution to fight the climate crisis and protect our planet. It is a great opportunity for civil society as it can help to:

  • increase the competitiveness of European industry;
  • promote sustainable economic growth;
  • generate new jobs.

The 'take-make-waste' model of production and consumption that still dominates our economy today is not only culminating in wasted resources, but also undermining the fight against climate change. Unlike the linear economy, a Circular Economy is a regenerative and restorative design that focuses on economic value creation and retention, tackling global environmental challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution while yielding economic benefits.

The good news is that the circular transition is already happening on the ground. Stakeholders from civil society including businesses, trade unions, academia and knowledge communities, youth organisations as well as NGOs and other interest groups are creating and implementing many circular initiatives at local and regional level. Catalysing circular solutions and leadership from relevant stakeholders is Europe's best opportunity to accelerate the transition to a Circular Economy. 

As such, the European Circular Economy Stakeholder Platform, a joint initiative of the EESC and the European Commission, is a platform established in 2017 to bring together the Circular Economy community in Europe. The stakeholder-driven platform supports Europe's transition towards a Circular Economy by fostering dialogue, sharing knowledge and exchanging best practices.

Displaying 51 - 60 of 69
  • Digitalisation and Sustainability: practical recommendations from European civil society | 25/11/2020

    Digitalisation and Sustainability: practical recommendations from European civil society

    NAT/SDO online conference organized jointly with the German Council Presidency
    Event type
    Conference

    Location

    14:00 - 16:45
    Brussels
    Belgium

    The conference will explore the role of European Civil Society in using digitalization in a way that it enables and drives sustainability to support the European Green Deal and the EU sustainable recovery. 

  • European Circular Economy Stakeholder Conference

    -
    Event type
    Conference

    Location

    Brussels
    Belgium

    The annual Circular Economy Stakeholder Conference, jointly organised by the European Commission and the European Economic and Social Committee, is an opportunity for stakeholders to meet, nurture their networks, share ideas and learn about the new EU policy developments on circular economy. The 2020 edition will be digital with a focus on renewal as we emerge from the COVID pandemic. 

    Webstream
     

  • Making circularity work for a just transition to climate neutrality

    Joint side event by the EESC and the Government of Slovenia at the High Level Political Forum (HLPF)
    Event type
    Webinar

    Location

    2.00-3.00 p.m. | Live on Twitter @EESC_SDO

    The world is facing a climate emergency causing unprecedented economic, social and environmental challenges. Ambitious policy and action are necessary at all levels to accelerate a just transition to a sustainable future, while leaving no one behind. This is particularly relevant in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has exposed the fragility of the current system.  ► Watch again 

  • Call for an EU Blue Deal - Event highlights

    Published in
    20 pages

    Call for an EU Blue Deal - Event highlights - 26 October 2023

  • Europe’s Circular Economy and its Pact for Skills: working together for an inclusive and job-rich transition?

    Published in
    Study
    61 pages

    The study reviews recent analyses to understand the green or circular skills of the future which have been identified thus far in sectoral and EU-wide research. Moreover, it examines EU Initiatives on skills development for circularity, by highlighting some limitations of these instruments and making suggestions for improvement.

  • Empowering consumers for a more sustainable world

    Published in
    24 pages

    Conclusions of the 23rd edition of European Consumer Day 2022 - 17 November 2022

  • The path to our industrial future – Events June 2021 – March 2022

    Published in
    14 pages

    Between June 2021 and March 2022, the EESC held a series of events on the updated new industrial strategy. Each event was organised by a different section of the EESC and focused on a specific aspect of the strategy, with the aim of hearing the views of civil society organisations on the future of European industry.

  • Critical raw materials: an essential building block for the future of Europe

    Published in
    12 pages

    Conference highlights

  • Updated industrial strategy: towards a more resilient and strategically autonomous EU industry

    Published in
    8 pages

    Following the publication of the European Commission's Update to the New Industrial Strategy, the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) has been carrying out a series of activities to fulfil its role of representing the views of organised civil society. A key event in this process has been a conference held on 17 June 2021, from 2.30 to 6 p.m., on Updated industrial strategy: towards a more resilient and strategically autonomous EU industry.

  • The role of Critical Raw Materials to form a strong industrial base

    Published in
    8 pages

    Following the publication of the European Commission's Update to the New Industrial Strategy, the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) has been carrying out a series of activities to fulfil its role of representing the views of organised civil society. A first event in this process has been a conference held on 17 June 2021, from 2.30 to 6 p.m., on Updated industrial strategy: towards a more resilient and strategically autonomous EU industry?

Displaying 51 - 60 of 69