Circular Economy Stakeholder Conference: together for a cleaner and more competitive Europe

Today and tomorrow, the Circular Economy Stakeholder Conference  – the main annual conference dedicated to circular economy in Europe, gathering decision makers, businesses, public authorities, NGOs, knowledge communities and civil society organisations – is taking place online. A joint initiative of the European Commission and the European Economic and Social Committee, the focus of this year’s event will be on the potential of the circular economy for a green recovery and how the numerous initiatives under the recently adopted second Circular Economy Action Plan, can help build a more resilient economy. Opening the debate, Frans Timmermans, Executive Vice-President for the European Green Deal said: “COVID-19 has underlined the urgency of stopping the destruction of our natural environment and exposed the fragility of the current economic model. Circular economy is the model of the future, for Europe and the world. It brings balance back in our relationship with nature and reduces our vulnerability to disruptions in global, complex supply chains. With circular production and consumption we can create a healthy and resilient economy for decades to come.” Launching the online #EUCircularTalks, Virginijus Sinkevičius, Commissioner for Environment, Oceans and Fisheries said: “The time has come to accelerate the green transition and bring the circular economy to the mainstream. Half of the greenhouse gas emissions and more than 90% of biodiversity loss and water stress come from resource extraction and processing. To respond to these challenges, we have adopted a new, most ambitious EU Circular Economy Action Plan. Its initiatives will help us build back better and create new business opportunities, to the benefit of EU our citizens and the environment.” The sessions  will cover a wide range of topics, including the role of consumers and tackling green claims; making sustainable products the norm; constructions and buildings; the importance of research and innovation; the links with our skills agenda – to name just a few. The event also features the European Business Awards for the Environment ceremony – EU scheme celebrating those businesses leading the transition to a sustainable economy. It recognises businesses in the categories of management, product & services; process; developing country cooperation; and business & biodiversity. More information is available here.