Policy
Policy and regulatory frameworks are an important driver of the circular economy transition in Europe – see below for a synopsis of some of the key EU directives and strategies and Ireland’s National Climate Action Plan.
EU Green Deal (EGD, 12/2019)
The EU Green Deal is Europe’s roadmap for making the EU’s economy sustainable – tackling climate and environmental-related challenges through a new growth strategy. It outlines the European Commissions’ commitment to make Europe the first climate-neutral continent by 2050. The Green Deal defines key actions, investments, and support mechanisms to support people, businesses, and regions transition to a circular economy, restoring biodiversity and cutting pollution.
Learn MoreEuropean Industrial Strategy 2020
The EU’s new Industrial Strategy seeks to transform industry making Europe’s businesses future-fit by becoming greener, more circular (the Green Transition) and more digital (the Digital Transition) while remaining globally competitive. It emphasises the importance of leveraging the impact of the EU Single Market to drive innovation and set global standards and outlines a new SME Strategy to encourage innovation, cut red tape and provide better access to finance.
Learn MoreEU Circular Economy Action Plan
The new EU Circular Economy Action Plan (CEAP 2.0) is part of the European Green Deal. It outlines a range of measures to enable sustainable products to become the EU norm starting with the following key value chains: Electronics and ICT; Batteries and Vehicles; Packaging; Plastics; Textiles; Construction, Food, Water and Nutrients. CEAP 2.0 is being developed in conjunction with other policy frameworks to ensure a concerted approach to circularity in Europe.
Learn MoreEU Waste Framework Directive
The EU Waste Framework Directive (2008/98/EC) was adopted in 2008 to regulate and reduce the quantity of waste in Europe. It has undergone several amendments, the latest in 2018 as part of the “Closing the Loop” Action Plan (CEAP 1.0). It defined the waste management hierarchy; explains when waste becomes a secondary raw material; encourages the development of products with reused or recycled materials in their design and outlines targets for the recycling of key materials.
Learn MoreEU Farm to Fork Strategy
The Farm to Form Strategy is a key part of the European Green Deal and outlines how food production systems in Europe can be reshaped to ensure healthy, environmentally- friendly and fair food for all citizens. It seeks to deploy circularity in bio-based value chains, and focuses on carbon intensity, protection of soil, air, water, and reversing biodiversity loss. The strategy also seeks to ensure that fair economic returns for producers and affordable prices for end-customers.
Learn MoreNational Climate Action Plan
In 2019, the Government of Ireland committed to a net zero emissions target by 2050. The Climate Action Plan recognises the scale of change required to tackle climate disruption and sets out a course of ambition actions to achieve this goal. This plan aims to bring about pivotal changes across key sectors including Electricity, Transport, Built Environment, Industry and Agriculture and emphasises the role of the circular economy in decarbonising the Irish economy.
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