Circular package ‘must fit with reformed’ EU

The submission comes as work on the Circular Economy package continues apace in Brussels, as the UK decides whether it wants to be “in or out”.

Calling for recognition of the reformed EU measures which were agreed in April 2016, the Council of Ministers – consisting of environment ministers, including the UK’s Rory Stewart – has this week set out its response to the Action Plan which sits alongside the Circular Economy proposals.

The ministers noted that the measures need to be in line “with the principles of Better Law-Making as set out in the inter-institutional agreement of 13 April 2016, be proportional, cost-effective, socially acceptable, easy to adopt with minimal administrative burden, avoid policy fragmentation to create synergies, take into account existing national legislation that stimulates circularity, and initiatives that stimulate consistent and coherent EU legislation such as the Make-it-Work project.”

The Council summarises the aims of the Circular Economy proposals as: “To reduce waste and keep the value of products, materials and resources in the economy for as long as possible. The conclusions support this aim and demonstrate commitment to this transition towards a more sustainable model, for instance by cutting resource use, boosting recycling and better managing waste.”

Hierarchy

Ministers agree on the importance of  the waste hierarchy, starting with an increase in prevention, preparation for reuse and recycling of waste, and minimising waste disposal, “in particular through a significant reduction of landfilled waste”.

The ministers also say that long-term commitment and action is needed and that “the active involvement of the private sector and other stakeholders across Europe and at the global level.”

They also refer to the importance of the Impact Assessment and appear to be trying to bring in some of the more flexible and up-to-date approach that some EU reformers are hoping to see. It also makes reference to issues such as the need to extend the lifetime of products.

The full text of the ministers’ response can be seen here: Ministers’ Response.

Assessment

Earlier this week, letsrecycle.com revealed exclusively how a draft assessment of the Commission’s package could have some potential weaknesses on the data front (see letsrecycle.com story).

The draft assessment also referenced work by the previous European Environment Commissioner, Dr Janez Potocnik, which has been underplayed by the current Commission.