Evropski ekonomsko-socialni odbor
Prehod na krožno gospodarstvo je visoko na dnevnem redu EESO kot rešitev za boj proti podnebni krizi in zaščito našega planeta. Je odlična priložnost za civilno družbo, saj lahko prispeva k:
Model linearne proizvodnje in potrošnje, ki danes še vedno prevladuje v našem gospodarstvu, ne prispeva le k zapravljanju virov, temveč tudi spodkopava boj proti podnebnim spremembam. V nasprotju z linearnim gospodarstvom ima krožno gospodarstvo regenerativno in obnovitveno zasnovo, ki se osredotoča na ustvarjanje in ohranjanje gospodarske vrednosti, saj obravnava svetovne okoljske izzive, kot so podnebne spremembe, izguba biotske raznovrstnosti in onesnaževanje, hkrati pa prinaša gospodarske koristi.
Dobra novica je, da krožni prehod že poteka v praksi. Deležniki iz civilne družbe, med njimi podjetja, sindikati, akademski krogi in skupnosti znanja, mladinske organizacije ter nevladne organizacije in druge interesne skupine, na lokalni in regionalni ravni ustvarjajo in izvajajo številne krožne pobude. Spodbujanje krožnih rešitev in vodilna vloga ustreznih deležnikov sta najboljša načina za pospeševanje prehoda na krožno gospodarstvo v Evropi.
Evropska platforma deležnikov za krožno gospodarstvo , ki je skupna pobuda EESO in Evropske komisije, je bila vzpostavljena leta 2017, da bi z njo povezali skupnost krožnega gospodarstva v Evropi. Platforma, ki jo usmerjajo deležniki, podpira prehod Evrope na krožno gospodarstvo s spodbujanjem dialoga ter izmenjavo znanja in najboljših praks.
The European Commission has published a proposal for a new regulatory framework for batteries and waste batteries, aiming to establish minimum sustainability requirements for all batteries placed on the EU internal market. The EESC supports the proposed measures, however, it calls for more precise and workable governance instruments to implement the new regulation, with the involvement of all stakeholders.
The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) and the Consultative Commission on Industrial Change (CCMI) believe that the present and future of critical raw materials resilience is of essential concern to EU's organised civil society. For this reason, and because the Commission's Action Plan represents a step forward by providing a clear roadmap with initiatives and actions to be taken at EU level, overall the EESC recommends that the European Parliament and the Council support this approach.
The European Circular Economy Stakeholder Platform is a joint initiative by the European Commission and the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC), launched in March 2017. The two institutions are working closely together to promote the Platform as a space for the exchange of ideas and a growing body of information, and to make the circular economy happen faster to the benefit of all. At the EESC, the Platform is spearheaded by three Members: Anders Ladefoged (Group I: Employers), Maria Nikolopoulou (Group II: Workers) and Cillian Lohan (Group III: Diversity Europe).
The use of single-use plastics in packaging has grown significantly in the last decades, and with it, the pollution of our environment. There is an urgent need to improve the sustainability of our food systems, which includes also the development of more sustainable food packaging. The objective of this study is to identify and examine successful examples and approaches to food packaging in the EU and beyond, considering consumer safety, environmental, economic, social, legal and food waste reduction considerations.
The EESC Employers' Group strives for a business environment that contributes to sustainable development, while keeping the EU's economy resilient and resourceful in an ever-changing world. Our Political Priorities beyond 2020 explain how to achieve this goal by fostering EU values, strengthening the EU's economic foundation, bringing the EU to the digital forefront and seizing opportunities provided by proactive climate action.
The transition to the Circular Economy will impact businesses, workers and consumers in different ways/varying degrees across the economy. The Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) sector is crucial for this transition. In 2016, the consumer electronics sector alone produced 44.7 million tonnes of e-waste, with mobile phones accounting for 435 thousand tonnes, and a mere 20% being recycled. This study presents the opportunities and challenges arising from implementing a circular approach, using the mobile phone sector as an example.
Circular economy strategies have been under development in European cities, regions, and countries in the last few years. In the evolving context of the transition to a circular economy, strategies are valuable endeavours which draw attention to the topic, kickstart initiatives and bring stakeholders together. This publication is the executive summary of the study reviewing existing circular economy strategies across Europe, highlighting the different degrees of inclusiveness in terms of consultation.
Circular economy strategies have been under development in European cities, regions, and countries in the last few years. In the evolving context of the transition to a circular economy, strategies are valuable endeavours which draw attention to the topic, kickstart initiatives and bring stakeholders together. This study reviews existing circular economy strategies across Europe, highlighting the different degrees of inclusiveness in terms of consultation. The findings include a call for stronger involvement of civil society organisations in earlier phases of strategy deve
Sustainable development with its economic, social and environmental dimensions is an inevitable approach to the future. Enterprises play a crucial role as generators of sustainable development. A favourable business environment is needed to meet the challenges and seize the opportunities of sustainability. This document summarises the views of the Employers' Group on sustainable development.
The European Circular Economy Stakeholder Platform was launched as a joint initiative by the European Commission and the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) in March 2017. The two institutions are working closely together to develop the Platform as a space for the exchange of ideas and a growing body of information, and to make the circular economy happen faster to the benefit of all.
