The circular economy has become an increasingly established element of Europe’s sustainability agenda. As outlined by Gamze Ünlü and Jacco Jochemsen (Circle Economy) in “5 EU policies that will define circularity in 2026”, this agenda is being shaped in particular by five policy instruments: the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD), the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR), the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), and, undeniably, the EU Circular Economy Act. Together, these initiatives are reinforcing the role of data, product design, value chains, and material flows in advancing circular practices.
Within this policy context, T6 Ecosystems is coordinating a series of five policy briefs for CircEUlar that aims to connect circular-economy modelling with these strategic directions. The briefs will examine how circular models can be linked with existing analytical tools to improve scenario consistency and identify data gaps; how Narrow–Slow–Close strategies can support pathways towards net zero; and how enablers and barriers across supply and demand influence the scaling of circular practices.
They also plan to address potential rebound effects and global implications of circular strategies, highlighting the importance of aligning circularity with planetary boundaries, and explore city-scale opportunities, focusing on how urban form – through buildings, mobility, and digital infrastructure – can enable practical circular solutions.
Together, these briefs intend to contribute evidence and insights that support coherent, well-informed approaches to advancing the circular economy in Europe. Stay tuned as these briefs take shape over the coming months.