EU Launches Public Consultation for Groundbreaking Circular Economy Act

On 1 August, the European Commission launched a public consultation and Call for Evidence for the upcoming Circular Economy Act, marking a major step in its impact assessment. Set for adoption in 2026, the Act aims to boost the EU’s circular economy by creating a Single Market for secondary raw materials, enhancing recycled material supply, and increasing demand. It supports EU goals on competitiveness, resilience, decarbonisation, and aligns with initiatives like the Competitiveness Compass and Critical Raw Materials Act. Inspired by key reports and declarations, the Act seeks to double the EU’s circularity rate by 2030.

Circular Economy Act

The circular economy is essential for strengthening economic security, resilience, competitiveness, and decarbonisation, and it is widely supported by the public as a key solution to environmental challenges. However, progress has been limited, prompting renewed calls for action from European industry, institutions, and recent policy reports. In response, the European Commission has committed under its 2024–2029 Political Guidelines and related initiatives to adopt the Circular Economy Act by 2026. This Act will aim to strengthen the single market for waste and secondary raw materials, boost the availability and demand for high-quality recycled materials at competitive prices, and ensure effective market conditions for circular products.

The Circular Economy Act aims to strengthen the EU’s economic resilience and competitiveness while driving sustainable production, circular economy practices, and decarbonisation. It will support the smooth trade of circular products, secondary raw materials, and waste across the EU. Additionally, the Act seeks to boost the availability of high-quality recycled materials and encourage greater demand for them within the Union.

Feedback period

Stakeholders are invited to take part in the online consultation through the Have Your Say portal. The feedback window remains open until 6 November 2025.