Shifting from a linear to a circular economic model is crucial in the EU’s efforts to develop a sustainable, low carbon, resource efficient, resilient and competitive economy. In this regard, the European Circular Economy Stakeholder Platform plays a crucial role in gathering all key actors in delivering the circular economy transition. Find out in our latest blog why this Platform matters for fostering circular economy, and how SUSTAINair contributes to it.
An EU-wide project steered together with civil society
In 2015, the EU Commission called through its Action Plan for the Circular Economy to better engage with stakeholders through existing fora and to support the exchange of good practices. For the European economy to become truly circular, it is crucial to involve all stakeholders: public authorities, industry, trade unions, consumers, and civil society as a whole.
This is why in 2017, the EU Commission and the European Economic and Social Committee joined forces to establish the European Circular Economy Stakeholder Platform. It has been running for over 4 years and has succeeded in attracting major stakeholders across all sectors.
Main purpose of the Circular Economy Platform
The European Circular Economy Stakeholder Platform works as a “network of networks”. It goes beyond sectorial activities and highlights cross-sector opportunities. It also provides a meeting place for stakeholders to share and scale up effective solutions and address specific challenges. This Platform bridges existing initiatives at local, regional and national level, and thereby supports the implementation of the circular economy in the EU.
Making the circular economy a reality across Europe
The EU institutions and European circular economy stakeholders leverage the Platform in three ways to make the circular economy transition come true.
Firstly, it drives the circular economy in EU countries, in regional and local governments, and among civil society organisations and businesses. Secondly, it strengthens cooperation among stakeholder networks to facilitate the exchange of expertise, good practices, knowledge and lessons learnt in the circular economy. Thirdly, it identifies social, economic and cultural barriers (such as social, economic and cultural) to the transition towards a circular economy with the intention of informing policy at all level of governance.
A virtual open space to stimulate ideas and cooperation
The European Circular Economy Stakeholder Platform is accessible to anyone who wants to drive the shift from a linear to a circular economy in Europe. It firstly facilitates policy dialogue among stakeholders, notably through its successful “EU Circular Talks” to discuss circular topics. In addition to this, the Platform also disseminates good practices, strategies and voluntary commitments. Furthermore, it provides information on the circular economy and related activities across the EU. Moreover, it brings together stakeholders and the EU institutions to foster cooperation at all levels of governance.
SUSTAINair contribution to the Circular Economy Platform
The SUSTAINair project aims to bring the aviation and aerospace sectors in line with circular principles. It aims to research and develop solutions to increase resource efficiency and aircraft performance while cutting down on waste and material costs throughout the aircraft life cycle. This is known as “circular aviation”.
SUSTAINair has officially joined the European Circular Economy Stakeholder Platform in April 2021. Our aim is to not only feed the Platform with our key research results and good practices, but also to drive the conversation on circular aviation in Europe through the “EU Circular Talks” format.
Bringing circular economy into the aviation and aerospace sectors is a must by using key means such as the European Circular Economy Stakeholder Platform. This will be key in ensuring that these industries can truly become climate-neutral by 2050.