Setting up a real and effective circular economy in the EU is a key priority for Renew Europe. In the transition to a circular economy, which is a necessary tool to meet international climate goals, raw materials and waste need to be handled carefully.  Waste must also be managed properly as it is a resource with great economic potential that provides numerous environmental benefits when recycled and cleaned into materials from which new products can be produced. 

Making the most of the economic and environmental potential of the EU waste market requires more sustainable management of waste streams. Therefore, Renew Europe welcomed the vote in the European Parliament this week on a New Waste Shipment Regulation. 

The new regulation not only provides for new and stricter conditions to tackle illegal waste shipments but establishes a fully electronic exchange system to reduce the administrative burden on businesses and facilitate the shipment of waste for recycling and reuse in the EU. It also ensures a phase out of plastic waste to third countries, which should unlock the potential of the EU waste market. 

Frédérique Ries MEP (MR, BE) Renew Europe Shadow Rapporteur on this file, said: 

“We aim for an ambitious reform of the European waste shipment rules to better protect the environment and the health of our citizens but also to avoid that some countries remain the world’s waste bins. Creating a real recycling market in Europe is of great importance for ourselves and the planet we live on.”