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<p>This paper explores the extent to which circular economy (CE) measures in the waste sector have been integrated into European Union’s climate policy and examines why they were historically overlooked in climate mitigation efforts. Despite their potential to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions through waste reduction and recycling, CE measures remained largely absent from the EU’s climate framework until recent years. By analysing official EU documents, legislative impact assessments, and policy reports from 2015 to 2025, this study assesses the evolving relationship between circular economy strategies and climate objectives with a focus on waste management. The research finds that most of the legal and institutional framework necessary to support this integration is already in place at EU level. However, the historical neglect of CE measures in climate policy can be attributed to the sectoral approach of greenhouse gas inventories, which primarily capture direct emissions rather than avoided emissions from material reuse and waste prevention. Additionally, institutional fragmentation and the longstanding separation between climate and resource efficiency policies have delayed their full incorporation into mitigation strategies. Recent developments, including the EU Long-Term Strategy and European Green Deal, have strengthened recognition of the circular economy as a crucial tool for achieving climate neutrality by 2050. However, challenges remain, particularly in quantifying emissions reductions, addressing data gaps, and ensuring cross-sectoral coordination. To fully leverage the climate benefits of CE measures improved data collection, and greater policy coherence are needed. Addressing these gaps will be key to maximizing their role in the EU’s climate mitigation mix.</p>

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Including Circular Economy Waste Measures in the Climate Mitigation Mix in EU Policy Making

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2025年6月20日

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  • Dana Iliescu

摘要

This paper explores the extent to which circular economy (CE) measures in the waste sector have been integrated into European Union’s climate policy and examines why they were historically overlooked in climate mitigation efforts. Despite their potential to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions through waste reduction and recycling, CE measures remained largely absent from the EU’s climate framework until recent years. By analysing official EU documents, legislative impact assessments, and policy reports from 2015 to 2025, this study assesses the evolving relationship between circular economy strategies and climate objectives with a focus on waste management. The research finds that most of the legal and institutional framework necessary to support this integration is already in place at EU level. However, the historical neglect of CE measures in climate policy can be attributed to the sectoral approach of greenhouse gas inventories, which primarily capture direct emissions rather than avoided emissions from material reuse and waste prevention. Additionally, institutional fragmentation and the longstanding separation between climate and resource efficiency policies have delayed their full incorporation into mitigation strategies. Recent developments, including the EU Long-Term Strategy and European Green Deal, have strengthened recognition of the circular economy as a crucial tool for achieving climate neutrality by 2050. However, challenges remain, particularly in quantifying emissions reductions, addressing data gaps, and ensuring cross-sectoral coordination. To fully leverage the climate benefits of CE measures improved data collection, and greater policy coherence are needed. Addressing these gaps will be key to maximizing their role in the EU’s climate mitigation mix.