The wait is almost over: Circular Economy Act around the corner

Patience. The Circular Economy Act (CEA) is moving closer to publication. According to recent media reporting, the European Commission just resubmitted its impact assessment to the Regulatory Scrutiny Board (RSB), following the negative opinion issued in July. The proposal is now listed for publication on 11 November 2026 among the Commission’s forthcoming agenda items. 

Make it right. Circularity is not just waste policy; it is industrial policy. Europe needs a strong market for secondary raw materials, and the CEA is our chance to help make that happen. 

In a joint statement coordinated by EUROPEN, more than 40 industry organisations have joined forces to call for the CEA to strengthen the EU framework for Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and ensure it supports circularity, competitiveness and strategic autonomy. 

The statement sets out six priorities for the CEA:  

1. Establish a harmonised EU EPR framework: A directly applicable EU EPR Regulation, based on Article 114 TFEU, should reduce fragmentation, align national rules and enable a functioning EU market for secondary raw materials. 
2. Ensure producer-led EPR governance: EPR should be producer-led, with producers retaining decision-making responsibility and EPR fees dedicated to waste management.
3. Make transparency the rule: Standardised, comparable data and transparent reporting across the waste chain to strengthen accountability and support more performance-based EPR systems. 
4. Ring-fence EPR funds for recycling: EPR funds should be earmarked for the waste streams they finance and directed to the infrastructure needed to meet EU recycling targets. 
5. Cut administrative complexity: Harmonised EPR registration and fewer unnecessary requirements would reduce barriers to cross-border compliance. 
6. Improve separate collection: Stronger separate collection and public awareness are essential to secure reliable waste streams and improve recycling outcomes.  

A functioning circular economy takes more than recyclable products. It needs effective collection, sorting and recycling systems, investment in infrastructure, and the right market conditions for materials to be used again at scale across Europe. 

With the Commission proposal just around the corner, the focus now shifts to turning industry’s calls into action and making a truly European market for secondary raw materials a reality. 

Stay tuned! 

WHAT DID YOU MISS?  

• July 2026: European Commission impact assessment on the CEA rejected by the RSB 

• 1st October 2026: Industry calls for a strong EU framework for a functioning market for secondary raw materials 

WHAT'S NEXT?   

• 11 November 2026 (TBC): Expected publication of the EU Commission proposal for a CEA