Navigating the Circular Economy Act: Implications and opportunities for a sustainable EU
📆 Wednesday 10th June 2026, 08:00 – 09:30 CEST
📍Organised at the European Parliament, Brussels (MEP salon area)
The European Commission is planning to propose a new Circular Economy Act in 2026, looking into accelerating the transition to a more circular economy, increasing the EU’s economic security, resilience, competitiveness, and decarbonisation. Due for adoption in Q3 2026, it aims to establish a Single Market for secondary raw materials, increase the supply of high-quality recycled materials, and stimulate demand for these materials in the EU. The Act is expected to transform EU policies on sustainable production, resource efficiency, waste management, and recycling. While this legislation will have wide-ranging implications for governments, industry, and civil society, early engagement between policymakers and relevant stakeholders is essential to ensure a practical, inclusive, and effective policy framework that supports both environmental goals and economic opportunities.
This event at the European Parliament will bring together Members of the European Parliament, European Commission, industry associations, businesses, NGOs, civil society organizations, and experts in circular economy and sustainability. Its objectives are to raise awareness by presenting an overview of the expected provisions of the Circular Economy Act, foster discussion on opportunities, challenges, and potential impacts across sectors, and gather policy input from stakeholders to inform the legislative process. Expected outcomes include increased understanding of the Act among participants, identification of key concerns and opportunities for early engagement, and collection of input that can be relayed to policymakers to help shape its implementation. The session will also foster networking and collaboration across sectors, supporting a more sustainable and circular EU economy.
Final Agenda
Event moderated by Ilias Grampas, Deputy Director, EBCD, Secretariat of the MEP Group on ‘Climate Change, Biodiversity and Sustainable Development’
08:00 – 08:10: Opening remarks by MEP Bruno Tobback and MEP Dimitris Tsiodras
08:10 – 08:20: Keynote speech by Stefano Soro, Head of Unit for ‘Sustainable Products’ (I.4), DG GROW, European Commission
08:20 – 09:00: Panel discussion with the participation of:
o Ermis Panagiotopoulos, Board Member at EUROPEN & RECOUP, Chair of Advocacy at Petcore Europe, Head of Sustainability Advocacy EMEA at Indorama Ventures
o George Karkampasis, Director, Circular Economy & Raw Materials, European Aluminium
o Eva Maria Bille, Head of Circular Economy, EEB
o Anna Papagrigoraki, Sustainability Director, Cepi
o Richard Lézé, President, Steel for Packaging Europe
09:00 – 09:20: Q&A session with the audience, including reactions from MEP Katri Kulmuni
09:20 – 09:25: Intervention by Corina Murafa Benga, Member, European Economic and Social Committee (EESC): Presentation of the European Circular Economy Stakeholder Platform (ECESP)
09:25 – 09:30: Closing remarks by Ilias Grampas, Deputy Director, EBCD, Secretariat of the MEP Group on ‘Climate Change, Biodiversity and Sustainable Development’
