Single Market in numbers

Do your math. Even the worst number cruncher will recognise the impact of these figures: intra-EU barriers account for 67% of the cost of goods traded across the EU, while the EU’s share of global foreign direct investment has halved in the last seven years.  

If these numbers clearly speak to the competitiveness and relevance of the EU economy in a globalised world, the figures don’t get any better when looking at what (Super) Mario Draghi’s report identified as Europe’s engines for growth: circularity and decarbonisation. Once again, numbers are compelling: the use of recycled material increased by just 12.2% in a year, while the EU’s target for 2030 stands at 24%. When looking at recycling of municipal waste, progress remains extremely slow in most Member States, and nearly half of all EU countries still send more than 30% of their municipal waste to landfill. So much for the creation of a Union Market of secondary raw materials... 

But Europe has a plan. Actually, a Roadmap! Presented in April, the “One Europe, One Market” roadmap represents a joint commitment by the EU Parliament, the Council of the EU, and the EU Commission to build a stronger and more integrated EU economy.  

The most demanding reader will ask: “Ok, but where’s the meat?” Beyond being a political document, the roadmap sets out a clear strategy with key deliverables, defined timelines, and a framework for monitoring and regular reporting to ensure that delivery is transparent and on track. For EUROPEN, a clear priority is the Circular Economy Act (CEA), which is expected to deliver greater harmonisation of definitions, criteria and waste management practices, supporting both recycling and the creation of an internal market for waste. 

As we wait for the EU Commission’s proposal for the CEA, enjoy the summer break and remember: Don’t Waste the Single Market!