The 2024 edition of the European Circular Economy Conference is convened under the auspices of the Belgian Presidency of the EU and alongside the World Circular Economy Forum (WCEF). This gathering serves as a pivotal moment for the global and European circular economy community to convene, exchange ideas, and delve into discussions on implementing circular principles across various sectors and borders, with a particular emphasis this year on translating circular ambitions into tangible actions.
Reflecting on the past decade of circular economy initiatives worldwide and within Europe, this conference arrives at a crucial juncture. While there has been some progress in decoupling EU resource consumption from economic growth, as highlighted in the European Environment Agency’s recent report, “Accelerating the Circular Economy in Europe – State and Outlook 2024,” more efforts are necessary for the EU to achieve its circularity targets by 2030.
Part of the World Circular Economy Forum, the European Circular Economy Stakeholder Conference features a dedicated track with five sessions spanning two days. EU representatives will participate in various WCEF sessions and engage with attendees in the exhibition area.
Day one, hosted by the European Commission, focuses on the driving force behind the European Circular Economy Stakeholder Conference, fostering discussions on its role and potential impact. Panel debates will assess progress in the circularity transition and outline necessary steps for the next European mandate. Moreover, participants will analyze the influence of circular economy and sustainability legislation on trade.
On day two, hosted by the European Economic and Social Committee, stakeholders and leaders will convene to explore the roles of cities and regions in advancing the circular economy. Discussions will also address how circular economy models can address the demand for critical raw materials.
Florika Fink-Hooijer, Director-General of the Commission’s DG Environment, emphasized the significance of the conference, highlighting its role in driving forward the circular economy agenda.
“We all have a collective responsibility to move towards greater circularity. It is key for our competitiveness and to reduce our dependencies. Today, we’ll discuss the progress we have made so far and explore how to step up our action for a circular future.”
