The European Commission has opened a public consultation and call for evidence for the proposed Circular Economy Act, positioning it as a central pillar in the EU’s strategy to balance sustainability, competitiveness, and resource security.
The consultation seeks to gather input from industry, civil society, and citizens to identify the operational and systemic barriers to advancing a circular economy across the bloc. The Commission’s framing of the Act as both an environmental and competitiveness measure reflects a broader shift in EU policymaking—tying resource efficiency directly to economic security. The linkage is evident in its planned alignment with flagship strategies, including the Competitiveness Compass, Single Market Strategy, and the Steel and Metals Action Plan.
By building on existing frameworks such as the Eco-design for Sustainable Products Regulation, the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation, and the Critical Raw Materials Act, the legislation aims to tighten design standards, extend product life cycles, and reduce reliance on imported critical materials. These objectives also respond to mounting supply chain vulnerabilities, particularly in sectors such as electronics, automotive, and renewable energy technologies, where material scarcity can stall production and inflate costs.
The Commission’s approach mirrors the dual-track policy trend emerging in EU industrial planning—one that integrates environmental performance with trade and market resilience. However, its success will hinge on sector-specific implementation strategies. High-consumption industries like construction, responsible for over 35% of total EU waste, will require distinct regulatory frameworks compared to sectors such as textiles, where recycling rates remain below 1%.
Stakeholders have until 6 November 2025 to submit evidence via the EU’s Have Your Say portal. The consultation’s emphasis on early and broad engagement suggests that the Commission is seeking to pre-empt the policy fragmentation seen in earlier environmental directives.
