European Circular Economy Act viewed as key to industrial resilience

The upcoming European Circular Economy Act is being positioned as a critical tool for European industrial resilience and economic stability. Proponents argue that the legislation must focus on strengthening the market for secondary raw materials, reducing resource consumption, and prioritizing prevention, repair, and reuse.

By shifting away from a reliance on imported virgin materials, the EU aims to mitigate geopolitical supply risks, reduce environmental and social costs, and enhance long-term industrial competitiveness. A successful transition could decarbonize the economy and create new industrial solutions.

However, labor representatives emphasize that the transition must include social safeguards. They argue that the Act should not only focus on competitiveness and material access but also on ensuring quality employment, occupational safety, and fair working conditions. To be effective, the circular economy must avoid creating markets based on precarious employment or the export of occupational risks to other nations.