The local and regional dimension in the new circular economy action plan

In March 2020, the European Commission adopted a new Circular Economy Action Plan (NCEAP) as one of the main blocks of the EU´s new sustainability agenda, the European Green Deal. This report - commissioned by the European Committee of the Regions (CoR) as part of the process for the preparation of its opinion on the NCEAP - explores the potential of local and regional authorities (LRAs) in the transition to a circular economy (CE). It is based on information from studies, from inputs to a consultation of the European Committee of Regions, and from local and regional circular projects and initiatives developed across the EU. It includes a focus on projects in Eastern and Southern Member States, as there has been less dissemination of experiences in these countries than in other Member States. The desk research was supported by interviews with key NGOs and associations working on circular economy at EU level. The information gathered shows that LRAs have used a broad range of approaches for developing the circular economy: many start with waste management innovations, but public procurement, partnerships with local actors and awareness-raising actions are also among the main approaches used. In pursuing these approaches, LRAs have faced several common challenges, in particular the need to build knowledge and technical capacity, both their own and within their territories, as well as the need to access financial resources. Through the development of circular labels and coordination bodies, LRAs can identify the sectors with the largest potential, engage their populations and upscale the transition to the circular economy in a more efficient manner.