WIREDGOV

At its last plenary session in 2014, the EESC reiterated its support for the policy package "Towards a circular economy: A zero waste programme for Europe" launched by the Barroso Commission last summer. The Committee urged the new Commission to move forward with this initiative, including the legislative proposals amending several waste directives, which would help to put an end to the current linear economic model of "take, make, consume and dispose". Europe's economy needs to shift to a circular model making smart and efficient use of natural resources.

EESC calls for a roadmap on the transition to a circular economy

The Committee endorses the Commission's proposals on waste reduction and recycling targets. However, it regrets that the proposals focus overly much on waste policies while neglecting "upstream" proposals. Only an inclusive action plan, bearing in mind the scarcity of resources and targeting the lifespan of products by smart ecodesign, their re-use and re-manufacturing, and thus greening the economy will strengthen Europe's competitiveness and resilience in the long-term. "We also need to strengthen the responsibility of consumers and producers, and to ensure health protection for, all including workers", said An le Nouail Marliere. The prospect of a circular economy is a major driver of growth and job creation in European regions and has to be given priority in Mr Juncker's work programme for the new Commission.

SMEs – new skills, new jobs, new business

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are important pillars of Europe's economy. Although the Committee welcomes the Green Action Plan for SMEs and the Green Employment Initiative, it feels that they do not go far enough. "We need tangible measures and practical support for SMEs to become more sustainable and ecological. There is a huge potential for the creation of new jobs, provided we can train people accordingly", said Antonello Pezzini, calling to bridge the gap in green skills through the targeted use of Structural Funds and innovation instruments[1].

Get people on board – information and traceability is key

People are aware of the consequences of a resource-hungry, throw-away economy and the shift to a new circular model has now gathered momentum. If they are to be brought on board, consumers must be informed, product traceability must be optimised and producers must be held accountable. The EESC proposes to establish networks of advocates and frontrunners of the new economic approach. Initially, well-defined areas and sectors for facilitating innovation – smart cities, free port areas and local clusters – should be selected as pilot schemes for the transition to a circular economy. We have to act now.