The EU Commission has launched a public consultation and call for evidence for its upcoming Circular Economy Act. This initiative aims to accelerate the transition to a more circular economy, boosting the EU’s resilience and competitiveness. Feedback is open until November 2025.
The European Commission today launched a public consultation and call for evidence for its eagerly anticipated Circular Economy Act, marking a pivotal moment in the bloc’s ambitious drive towards a more sustainable and competitive future. This step in the impact assessment process aims to gather diverse input from stakeholders and the public, providing crucial insights into the challenges and opportunities for accelerating the circular economy across the EU.
Accelerating the transition and boosting competitiveness
The forthcoming Circular Economy Act, slated for adoption in 2026, is designed to be a cornerstone of the EU’s environmental and economic strategy. Its core objectives include enhancing the EU’s economic security, resilience, competitiveness, and decarbonisation efforts.
A key focus will be the establishment of a robust Single Market for secondary raw materials, aiming to increase the supply of high-quality recycled materials and stimulate their demand within the Union. This move directly addresses the EU’s reliance on external raw material sources, a vulnerability highlighted in recent geopolitical shifts.
Building on key recommendations and initiatives
This initiative follows a chorus of recommendations from influential reports such as those by Letta and Draghi, industrial declarations like the Antwerp Declaration, and calls from the European Council (Budapest Declaration) and Parliament. The Act is set to align with the ambitious targets outlined in the Competitiveness Compass and the Clean Industrial Deal, which aim to position the EU as the world leader in the circular economy by 2030 and double its circularity rate.
Furthermore, the consultation seeks to ensure the Circular Economy Act seamlessly integrates with existing and recently adopted EU legislations. These include the Eco-design for Sustainable Products Regulation, the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation, and the Critical Raw Materials Act, as well as broader strategies like the Single Market Strategy and the Steel and Metals Action Plan. This holistic approach underscores the Commission’s commitment to a coherent and effective policy framework for circularity.
Call to Action for stakeholders
The Commission strongly encourages all interested stakeholders, from businesses and industry associations to environmental organisations and individual citizens, to participate actively in the online consultation. This can be done via the official “Have Your Say” portal. The extensive feedback period, running until 6 November 2025, provides ample opportunity for diverse perspectives to shape this transformative piece of legislation.
The insights gathered will help in identifying bottlenecks, fostering innovation, and ensuring the Act is fit for purpose in ushering in a truly circular economy across Europe.
