EU Launches Public Consultation for Groundbreaking Circular Economy Act

On 1 August 2025, the European Commission launched a public consultation and Call for Evidence for the upcoming Circular Economy Act, marking a key step in its impact assessment. The initiative is planned for adoption in 2026, and aims to strengthen the EU’s circular economy by improving market conditions for secondary raw materials, enhancing recycled material supply, and increasing demand for high-quality recyclates. The Act also supports broader EU objectives on competitiven.

Purpose and Focus of the Circular Economy Act

The Commission highlights that circularity is essential for 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.

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.

The initiative aligns with existing EU strategies, including the Competitiveness Compass and Critical Raw Materials Act, and is part of the Commission’s commitment to doubling the EU circularity rate by 2030.

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.