Circularity is no longer a niche environmental ambition – it is fast becoming a defining pillar of Europe’s industrial strategy. Amid mounting geopolitical pressures, volatile supply chains, and climate emergencies, the ability to retain materials, reduce resource dependence, and lower emissions has moved to the core of EU policymaking. This shift is visible across several flagship initiatives: from the Green Deal to the Clean Industrial Deal and, most recently, the Commission’s Steel and Metals Action Plan.

In each case, the message is clear – accelerating the circular economy is essential to securing Europe’s economic resilience and decarbonisation agenda. Recycling, as a strategic enabler of circularity, plays a critical role. It reduces the EU’s reliance on virgin raw materials, cuts energy use and carbon emissions, and supplies industries with locally sourced recycled materials. Yet the sector operates in a fragmented policy environment, under increasing pressure from export restrictions and unfair international competition.

The upcoming Circular Economy Act, expected in 2026, represents a pivotal opportunity to address these challenges and translate Europe’s ambitions into functioning markets, by removing obstacles to the free movement of recycled materials, and by creating strong demand for circular products.

In this context, EuRIC – the European Recycling Industries’ Confederation – puts forward a set of focused policy recommendations and asks. These aim to unlock demand, establish a level playing field for recycled materials, and support the development of a globally competitive recycling industry aligned with the EU’s environmental and strategic objectives