On 1 August 2025, the European Commission launched a public consultation and a call for evidence on the upcoming Circular Economy Act. This marks a key step in the impact assessment process, allowing the Commission to collect views from stakeholders and the general public. The main objective of the consultation is to identify barriers and opportunities in accelerating Europe’s transition to a circular economy.
The Act is planned for adoption in 2026 and is expected to establish a single market for secondary raw materials, secure a steady supply of high-quality recycled materials, and boost demand across the EU. It aims to strengthen economic security, resilience, competitiveness, and decarbonisation. The initiative builds on recommendations from the Letta and Draghi reports, the Antwerp and Budapest Declarations, as well as contributions from the European Parliament and Council.
The Circular Economy Act aligns with broader EU strategies such as the Competitiveness Compass and the Clean Industrial Deal. It sets the ambition for the EU to become the world leader in the circular economy by 2030 and to double its circularity rate. Currently, the EU’s circularity rate has only grown modestly, from 10.7% in 2010 to 11.8% in 2023, showing the need for stronger policies.
The consultation will ensure coherence with existing regulations, including the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation, the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation, and the Critical Raw Materials Act. It also complements actions such as digitalising waste shipment systems and evaluating e-waste policies.
Stakeholders are invited to contribute their views through the Commission’s “Have Your Say” portal, with the deadline for feedback set at 6 November 2025. The process is open not only to policymakers and businesses but also to NGOs, academia, civil society, and individuals, both within and outside the EU. This consultation phase is considered crucial for shaping a robust legislative framework that supports innovation and promotes the transition to circular business models across Europe.
