Resource efficiency has been on the EU’s political agenda for more than a decade, but are Circular Economy activities in member states increasing at a fast pace?
The European Court of Auditors found in an audit report that the results required for the set targets are not being achieved, with the following conclusions:
- Circular economy programmes of the last 10 years at state and EU level do not show effectiveness with results.
- Results are measured conservatively, mainly through recycling rates.
- It is not possible to map planned obsolescence within current efforts.
- The participatory approach adopted to implement circular economy strategies has not delivered the expected results.
Against this backdrop, it is recommended that the European Commission take more account of the essential aspects of the circular economy and analyse European funding for projects focused on circular design.
