The Stakeholders’ Meeting on the Circular Economy on 25 and 26 January will bring together representatives from companies, civil society organisations and governments in Europe to discuss the circular economy – an economic system aimed at maximum re-use of raw materials and products. The meeting, that will take place in the former Van Nelle factory in Rotterdam, has been jointly organised by the Ministry of Infrastructure and the Environment and the European Commission. Its aim: to discuss opportunities, obstacles and experiences in relation to the circular economy.
Circular EconomyCopyritght: Mediatheek Rijksoverheid What is a circular economy?A circular economy is an economic system based on the principle of re-use. There is no such thing as waste in a circular economy: everything is a raw material and can be re-used or recycled as much as possible. The circular system has two types of material flows. In the biological cycle, leftover materials are returned to nature after use. In the technical cycle, products are designed especially so that they can be re-used.
Feedback on the European Commission’s Action PlanOn 25 January, based on inspiring best practices, representatives from European companies, civil society organisations and public authorities will discuss opportunities for and obstacles to a European circular economy. They will also consider the role of the Commission’s Circular Economy Package, published on 2 December 2015.
Initiatives for cooperationOn 26 January, national and European policymakers will discuss best practices in public policy and possible measures for accelerating the transition to a circular economy. The conference outcomes will serve as input for the meetings of the Competitiveness Council on 29 February 2016 and the Environment Council on 4 March 2016.
Priorities of the Netherlands PresidencyThe circular economy is a priority issue for the Netherlands Presidency. In the months ahead, the Environment, Competitiveness and Agriculture Councils will discuss Commission proposals aimed at promoting the circular economy. These include amendments to waste legislation and an action plan containing a broad package of measures. The Netherlands aims to get negotiations on a new waste package off to a good start. We also want to work towards an EU-wide position on the Circular Economy Action Plan, incorporating society’s ambitions in this area.
The Netherlands: leading the way in recyclingThe Netherlands is a European leader in smart solutions for recycling and cutting back phosphate and water inputs. Environment minister Sharon Dijksma will unfold the Dutch approach at the meeting and exchange views with a number of participants on the expected impact of the Circular Economy Package.
SOURCE: balkans.com
