The debate brought together policymakers, industry representatives and stakeholders to discuss the role of the forthcoming Circular Economy Act in Europe’s industrial future. The discussion took place against a backdrop of growing concerns about European competitiveness, industrial resilience and strategic autonomy. Traditionally viewed through an environmental lens, participants broadly agreed that circularity must now be considered as a core component of Europe’s economic and industrial strategy.
Insights from our Managing Director, Virginia Janssens
In her opening remarks, Virginia Janssens argued that Europe has reached a critical moment in its circular transition:
- Europe must act with greater urgency, coordination and political commitment if it is to preserve industrial capacity while advancing its circular economy objectives.
- Europe’s transition towards circular plastics is losing momentum at a time when other regions are accelerating investments and market development.
- The plastics industry is facing a significant competitiveness challenge due to high energy and carbon costs, increasing global overcapacity, rising imports and growing trade distortions.
- European industry must simultaneously manage two imperatives: short-term industrial survival and long-term transformation towards circularity.
- The Circular Economy Act should deliver targeted measures that accelerate circularity while supporting Europe’s industrial base.
- Circularity requires collective action across the value chain, involving industry, policymakers, consumers and investors.
- Europe must act with greater urgency, coordination and political commitment if it is to preserve industrial capacity while advancing its circular economy objectives.
What the panel debate revealed about Europe’s circular future
The panel discussion positioned the forthcoming Circular Economy Act as a strategic industrial policy instrument. While the Green Deal established an ambitious regulatory framework, speakers argued that the next phase must focus on implementation, market creation, investment conditions, and enforcement if Europe is to translate policy ambition into industrial outcomes.
Panellists broadly agreed that Europe’s circular transition must now be understood through the interconnected objectives of competitiveness, strategic autonomy, industrial resilience, and decarbonisation.