scholarly journals Decoupling or ‘Decaffing’? The Underlying Conceptualization of Circular Economy in the European Union Monitoring Framework

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (18) ◽  
pp. 4898 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leandro Javier Llorente-González ◽  
Xavier Vence
Keyword(s):  
Development Strategy ◽  
Circular Economy ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Eu Member States ◽  
Environmental Objectives ◽  
Self Sufficiency ◽  
Monitoring Framework ◽  
Available Information ◽  
Selection Of ◽  
Made In

In recent years, the shift to a circular economy (CE) has become an increasingly important component of the European Union’s development strategy. However, no consensus has yet been reached on the depth of the transformation this implies, nor on the most appropriate strategy for its measurement. In 2018, the European Commission presented a monitoring framework to evaluate the progress made in this transition, focused on the priority objectives of the European strategy for the CE. This article aims to discuss the conceptualization of the CE behind the selection and interpretation of the metrics proposed by the commission. It is argued that the chosen indicators are mostly concerned with material self-sufficiency and recycling, neglecting other dimensions of the concept more closely related to systemic change. Moreover, some issues that are relevant from a CE perspective, such as the disparate distribution of recyclable material flows among EU Member States in terms of value and environmental impact, are overlooked in the interpretation of the available information. Consequently, a more ambitious and diverse selection of metrics is suggested to reflect the wider socio-economic and environmental objectives of the CE, thus preventing the dissemination of a limited version of the concept.

scholarly journals A Process Oriented MCDM Approach to Construct a Circular Economy Composite Index

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 618 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ana Garcia-Bernabeu ◽  
Adolfo Hilario-Caballero ◽  
David Pla-Santamaria ◽  
Francisco Salas-Molina
Keyword(s):  
Circular Economy ◽  
Action Plan ◽  
National Level ◽  
Composite Index ◽  
Composite Indicator ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Member States ◽  
Eu Member States ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Monitoring Framework

The purpose of this contribution is to develop a Circular Economy Composite indicator to benchmark EU countries performance. Europe is at the forefront of the global transition towards a sustainable and circular economy. To this end, the European Commission has launched in 2015 a Circular Economy Action Plan including a monitoring framework to measure progress and to assess the effectiveness of initiatives towards the circular economy in the European Union (EU) and Member States. Still, this monitoring framework lacks a composite indicator at the national level to aggregate the circular economy dimensions into a single summary indicator. Although there is a wide range of sustainability composite indicators, no aggregate circular economy index exits to this date. We use a multi-criteria approach to construct a circular economy composite index based on TOPSIS (Technique for Order Preferences by Similarity to Ideal Solutions) methodology. In addition, we introduce a novel aggregation methodology for building a composite indicator where different levels of compensability for the distances to the ideal and anti-ideal (or negative-ideal) values of each indicator are considered. In order to illustrate the advantages of this proposal, we have applied it to evaluate the Circular Economy performance of EU Member States for the year 2016. This proposal can be a valuable tool for identifying areas in which the countries need to concentrate their efforts to boost their circular economy performance.

Assessment of the European monitoring frameworks for circular economy: the case of Croatia

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jadranka Švarc ◽  
Marina Dabić ◽  
Jasminka Lažnjak
Keyword(s):  
Circular Economy ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Policy Recommendations ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Local Conditions ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Eu Member States ◽  
Measurement Tools ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Selection Of

PurposeThe main purpose of this research is to analyse the efficiency of the main European monitoring frameworks to estimate the transition of the countries within the European Union (EU) towards circular economy (CE) using the example of Croatia.Design/methodology/approachAssessment methods with reliable data and appropriate indicators are essential when it comes to measuring transition and progress towards CE. The methodology employed in this research is a systematic and critical analysis of the seven European measurement frameworks employed to assess Croatia's progress towards CE.FindingsThe analysis revealed how EU's monitoring frameworks have developed over time and how useful they are in evaluating country's progress towards CE. The measurement tools and indicators proved, in the case of Croatia, insufficient for clarifying and understanding its progress towards CE. Selection of indicators within monitoring frameworks is arbitrary while their interpretation is highly contextual, dependent on policy targets and local conditions. These results can be extrapolated to other EU member states.Practical implicationsPolicy recommendations for more efficient CE transitions are provided.Originality/valueThis research sheds light on the CE development in Croatia – an understudied European country in this context – and discusses the country's goals towards sustainability. The limited success of developed CE indicators is discussed.

Staatsklimahaftung

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Isabell Böhm
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
European Union ◽  
Greenhouse Gas ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Eu Member States ◽  
Basic Law ◽  
State Liability ◽  
Liability Claims ◽  
The Eu ◽  
Made In

Climate change litigation is becoming increasingly important. This thesis deals with the question whether state liability claims against Germany or the EU can be justified, if commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions are not met. For this purpose, the claim under public liability according to § 839 German Civil Code in connection with Art. 34 German Basic Law, the liability of the EU-Member States and the liability of the European Union according to Art. 340 II TFEU are discussed. At the end of the thesis, considerations on the practical perspectives of state liability are made in order to improve their prospects of success.

scholarly journals Perspectives of Circular Economy in Romanian Space

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (17) ◽  
pp. 6819
Author(s):  
Horațiu Vermeșan ◽  
Alexandrina Mangău ◽  
Ancuța-Elena Tiuc
Keyword(s):  
Circular Economy ◽  
Economic Model ◽  
Practical Implementation ◽  
Human Society ◽  
Real Economy ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Economic Concept ◽  
Theoretical Approaches ◽  
Circular Model ◽  
Selection Of

The circular economy (CE) is a popular concept in the European Union (EU) space, which has been the subject of numerous research and substantiation activities. In the last years, there has been a growing interest in Romania regarding the characteristics of this new economic model and the principles on which it works. Referring to Romanian specialized literature currently available regarding the submitted topic, we consider that the theoretical part is insufficiently structured. In addition, by pointing out the applicability of the circular economy in Romanian space, we consider this to be represented mainly by the fragility of its effective and practical implementation. The examples of Romanian successes in the field of circular economy are limited, a fact that can be explained—from our perspective—through the aspect that in other EU countries, the process of development of CE has some precedents, a stronger background and a ”self-constructed” history in the topic. There is undoubtedly a necessity for adopting this new economic model, considering that, for the most part, Romanian economy is still dependent on the linear economic system. Starting from these arguments, the proposed article uses a thematic debate of the notion of circular economy, presenting, at the beginning, an incursion into the predominantly European variety of theoretical approaches. The selection of definitions and conceptualization is continued with an analysis of the stage of implementation of CE in Romania. The purpose of this approach is to investigate a niche identified in the Romanian space, not covered in the specialized scientific research and to expose the specificity of the process of transition of Romania to a circular economy, of the barriers encountered—namely, the problem related to the attitude and mentality regarding this new concept. We also point out that the intention of the study is to integrate a ”different” contemporary and very current economic concept into a real economy, and at the same time, to increase the visibility of its application at the level of a member country of the EU. The challenges encountered in the context of the increasingly present tendency in Romania of assimilating and complying with the precepts of the circular economy are also detailed, proposing, at the end of the study suggestions for improving the gaps identified at this level. The most realistic implementation of the circular model in Romania represents a qualitative plus for the human-society factor, as well as for the environment. In conclusion, we note that, despite the evolution of the number of theoretical approaches and concerns, the field of circular economy and the perspectives it proposes, continues to offer a favorable ground for further research.

scholarly journals Conceptions regarding sustainable agriculture – the national sustainable development strategy

2006 ◽  
pp. 42-51
Author(s):  
Andrea Gáthy
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Sustainable Agriculture ◽  
Development Strategy ◽  
Agricultural Policy ◽  
Agricultural Production ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Eu Member States ◽  
The Eu

The task of the national sustainable development strategy is to provide a long term conception for the economy and society, so that this might function and develop in harmony with the environment. Creating the conditions for sustainable agricultural production requires the elaboration and implementation of long-term programs spanning generations. The objective is to find a compromise between the conceptions appearing in the long-term and the short-term programs.In Hungary, several principles, conceptions and proposals have been suggested regarding sustainable agriculture. In the present study, I intend to systematize the above mentioned principles and conceptions, and compare them to the conceptions regarding agriculture in the national strategies of the EU member states. Furthermore, I examine to what extent the agricultural policy of the European Union supports the conceptions regarding agriculture in the strategies. This topic deserves special attention, as the Hungarian national sustainable development strategy is being prepared and is supposed to be finished by the end of 2005.

scholarly journals Economía circular: un reto para las instituciones deportivas latinoamericanas (Circular economy: a challenge for latin american sports institutions)

Retos ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 44 ◽  
pp. 309-318
Author(s):  
Yahilina Silveira Pérez ◽  
José Ramón Sanabria Navarro ◽  
Lisbet Guillén Pereira ◽  
Héctor Ramiro Mediavilla Ruiz ◽  
Cristian Patricio Mediavilla Ruiz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
End Of Life ◽  
Latin American ◽  
Circular Economy ◽  
Management System ◽  
Hierarchical Cluster ◽  
Economy Model ◽  
Sports Organizations ◽  
El Sistema ◽  
Selection Of ◽  
Made In

  La literatura existente aún no proporciona una orientación suficiente con respecto a la asignación de ciertos recursos al final de su vida útil entre los puntos de reciclaje para maximizar la economía circular y los resultados de sostenibilidad en organizaciones deportivas. Tampoco se evidencian cuáles son los elementos de la economía circular para las organizaciones deportivas latinoamericanas. En tal sentido, el objetivo de esta investigación es concebir un modelo de economía circular para las organizaciones deportivas latinoamericanas. La investigación parte de un análisis teórico y metodológico el cual permite la generación y validación de 21 indicadores, agrupados en seis variables, que se utilizan en el diagnóstico, diseño del modelo y la validación de los resultados. El diagnóstico realizado en cinco países: Cuba, Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador y Argentina. Entre los principales resultados se obtuvo que el Sistema de gestión en el deporte, no constituye un factor analizado desde la perspectiva de la economía circular en el deporte. La selección de proveedores deportivo no es coherente con el medioambiente y se refleja en el consumo de materiales deportivos, indicador con menor carga factorial. El clúster jerárquico permitió agrupar las variables en dos grupos al que se les denominó Potenciadores y Determinantes de la economía circular, respectivamente.  Summary: The existing literature does not yet provide sufficient guidance regarding the allocation of certain end-of-life resources between recycling points to maximize circular economy and sustainability outcomes in sports organizations. Nor is it evident what the elements of the circular economy are for Latin American sports organizations. In this sense, the objective of this research is to conceive a circular economy model for Latin American sports organizations. The research starts from a theoretical and methodological analysis which allows the generation and validation of 21 indicators, grouped into six variables, which are used in the diagnosis, design of the model and the validation of the results. The diagnosis made in five countries: Cuba, Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador and Argentina. Among the main results, it was obtained that the Management System in sport does not constitute a factor analyzed from the perspective of the circular economy in sport. The selection of sports suppliers is not consistent with the environment and is reflected in the consumption of sports materials, an indicator with a lower factor load. The hierarchical cluster allowed the variables to be grouped into two groups called Enhancers and Determinants of the circular economy, respectively.

scholarly journals Towards the Implementation of Circular Economy in the Wastewater Sector: Challenges and Opportunities

Water ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (5) ◽  
pp. 1431 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sonia Guerra-Rodríguez ◽  
Paula Oulego ◽  
Encarnación Rodríguez ◽  
Devendra Narain Singh ◽  
Jorge Rodríguez-Chueca
Keyword(s):  
Wastewater Treatment ◽  
Circular Economy ◽  
Wastewater Treatment Plants ◽  
Raw Materials ◽  
Added Value ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Reclaimed Wastewater ◽  
Human Lifespan ◽  
Self Sufficiency ◽  
Challenges And Opportunities

The advancement of science has facilitated increase in the human lifespan, reflected in economic and population growth, which unfortunately leads to increased exploitation of resources. This situation entails not only depletion of resources, but also increases environmental pollution, mainly due to atmospheric emissions, wastewater effluents, and solid wastes. In this scenario, it is compulsory to adopt a paradigm change, as far as the consumption of resources by the population is concerned, to achieve a circular economy. The recovery and reuse of resources are key points, leading to a decrease in the consumption of raw materials, waste reduction, and improvement of energy efficiency. This is the reason why the concept of the circular economy can be applied in any industrial activity, including the wastewater treatment sector. With this in view, this review manuscript focuses on demonstrating the challenges and opportunities in applying a circular economy in the water sector. For example, reclamation and reuse of wastewater to increase water resources, by paying particular attention to the risks for human health, recovery of nutrients, or highly added-value products (e.g., metals and biomolecules among others), valorisation of sewage sludge, and/or recovery of energy. Being aware of this situation, in the European, Union 18 out of 27 countries are already reusing reclaimed wastewater at some level. Moreover, many wastewater treatment plants have reached energy self-sufficiency, producing up to 150% of their energy requirements. Unfortunately, many of the opportunities presented in this work are far from becoming a reality. Still, the first step is always to become aware of the problem and work on optimizing the solution to make it possible.

Development and integrated assessment of the circular economy in the European Union: the outranking approach

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jonas Ūsas ◽  
Tomas Balezentis ◽  
Dalia Streimikiene
Keyword(s):  
European Union ◽  
Circular Economy ◽  
Indicator System ◽  
Resource Scarcity ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Member States ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Eu Member States ◽  
Input Use ◽  
The Eu

PurposeThe Green Deal strategy of the European Union (EU) as well as the increasing concerns over resource scarcity worldwide has put forward such concepts as the circular economy. This paper seeks to compare the progress of the development of the circular economy across the EU Member States. Such analysis is helpful in guiding the circular economy support policies.Design/methodology/approachThis paper develops a quantitative framework for analysis of the implementation of the circular economy objectives in the EU Member States. The framework proposed includes three multi-criteria decision making methods representing reference point and outranking approaches. The use of multiple methods allows exploiting the differences in the underlying aggregation principles.FindingsGermany, Sweden and the Netherlands appear as the most advanced in the sense of circular economy development. The results indicate that the water-locked small countries and the new EU Member States are among the lowest performing ones. The flows of the waste need to be monitored more tightly in order to increase the circularity. The development of recycling facilities can also increase circularity irrespectively of the economic development level (e.g. the case of Bulgaria).Originality/valueThe paper contributes to the discussion regarding the circular economy by proposing an indicator system and the multi-criteria analysis framework. The proposed indicator system covers input use (circularity), trade flows and recycling processes. The proposed framework can be applied to track the progress of different countries in implementing the targets of the circular economy.

scholarly journals Circular Economy in Poland: Main Achievements and Future Prospects

2021 ◽  
pp. 141-154
Author(s):  
Anna Avdiushchenko
Keyword(s):  
Development Strategy ◽  
Circular Economy ◽  
Action Plan ◽  
Added Value ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Future Prospects ◽  
Global Competitiveness ◽  
Active Involvement ◽  
Regional Authorities ◽  
Sustainable Economic Growth

AbstractCircular economy (CE) is a new development strategy adopted by the European Union (EU) authorities in 2014, aiming to boost global competitiveness, foster sustainable economic growth, and generate new jobs. The CE approach maintains the added value in products for as long as possible and eliminates waste; moreover, it implies totally systemic change and innovation not only in technologies, but also in organization, society, finance methods, and policies. Such an approach leads to a new model of production and consumption and a new relationship between stakeholders at the local, regional, national, and EU levels. The first consideration of CE priorities in Poland started in 2016 when the Inter-ministerial Committee for Circular Economy was established. Representatives from nine ministries became committee members, and the chief document they prepared was the Roadmap for Circular Economy Transition. The document proposed an action plan for CE implementation and focused on increasing resource efficiency and waste reduction in Poland. Prepared with the active involvement of all possible stakeholders—businesses, NGOs, the academic and research community, and local and regional authorities—the Roadmap can be seen as a quick and effective guide. In addition to national government initiatives, there were numerous attempts to implement CE principles at the local and regional levels. The main goal of the current research was to examine the effectiveness of such national, regional, local, and business CE projects for influencing Poland’s CE transition during the past three years. This study reviews the main policy documents, reports, and expertise of national, international, regional, and local organizations and NGOs involved with CE in Poland. The research is also supported by a review of the relevant academic literature. As a result, it was possible to estimate the current level of achievement, as well as future prospects for CE in Poland. Moreover, this research identifies potential opportunities for updating existing planning policies and tools related to CE-based development in Poland.

scholarly journals Factors of uneven progress of the European Union countries towards a circular economy

2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (3) ◽  
pp. 332-344
Author(s):  
Maxim Polyakov ◽  
Igor Khanin ◽  
Vladimir Bilozubenko ◽  
Maxim Korneyev ◽  
Gennadij Shevchenko
Keyword(s):  
European Union ◽  
Development Strategy ◽  
Circular Economy ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Eu Countries ◽  
Production And Consumption ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Parametric Analyses ◽  
Harmonic Means ◽  
The Eu

The increased final consumption exacerbates the problem of the scarcity of natural resources and leads to environmental pollution. The concept of circular economy, which implies the formation of closed-loop chains of production and consumption with maximum regeneration and recycling of materials, is considered as an alternative to the firmly established “linear economy” (take-make-dispose). As a part of sustainable development strategy, the European Union adopted a general policy on the transition to a circular economy. However, for objective reasons, such transition is quite uneven at the level of member countries, which adversely affects the total progress. Therefore, the need arises to assess the positions of individual countries and identify major reasons for the uneven transition to support the countries that are lagging.The goal of the study is to identify the factors of uneven progress of the EU countries towards a circular economy. For that reason, a set of empirical data (20 indicators) has been compiled; cluster, classification, and parametric analyses have been conducted. As a result, three clusters of the EU countries have been obtained and six indicators, included into combinations that make all clusters different, have been identified. These indicators can be interpreted as the key factors contributing to the uneven progress of the EU countries towards a circular economy. The difference in harmonic means by clusters allowed quantitatively estimating a “circular gap”. It is of practical value for the EU policy aimed at bridging the gaps between member countries during the transition to a circular economy.

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