On Wednesday 20 May, AmCham EU hosted an event on 'Reflections on Europe’s circular economy and what comes next', where we welcomed Marius Vašcega, Head of Cabinet to Commissioner Virginijus Sinkevicius, European Commission as a guest speaker. The event was an opportunity to discuss the European Commission’s objectives with regard to the Circular Economy Action Plan released on Wednesday, 11 March and how this fits in with the European Green Deal and the EU’s economic recovery plan in the context of COVID-19.
Reflections on Europe's circular economy
On Wednesday 20 May, AmCham EU hosted an event on 'Reflections on Europe’s circular economy and what comes next', where we welcomed Marius Vašcega, Head of Cabinet to Commissioner Virginijus Sinkevicius, European Commission as a guest speaker. The event was an opportunity to discuss the European Commission’s objectives with regard to the Circular Economy Action Plan released on Wednesday, 11 March and how this fits in with the European Green Deal and the EU’s economic recovery plan in the context of COVID-19.

The discussion addressed how the circular economy can boost the EU’s sustainability efforts and improve its resilience in terms of retaining its resources. We also outlined our member companies’ best practices in circularity, which are also outlined in our brochure ‘The Circular Economy: 15 innovative industry solutions that drive a sustainable future’. Leah Charpentier (First Solar), Chair, Environment Committee, AmCham EU moderated the discussion.
Related items
:focal())
Discussing environment policy priorities with policymakers in Finland
From Monday, 13 to Wednesday, 15 April, AmCham EU travelled to Helsinki for a series of meetings with Finnish stakeholders on the future of EU environment policy. In discussions with representatives from the Finnish Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, the Ministry of the Environment, the European Chemicals Agency and Members of the Finnish Parliament, the delegation examined how the EU can pursue its environmental objectives and support competitiveness by delivering long-term simplification in environmental policies.
Across the meetings, one theme was evident. Europe’s environmental legislation must be more coherent and efficient across the Single Market. Members emphasised that simplification is not about lowering standards, but about avoiding unnecessary complexity while preserving a high level of environmental and human health protection and building the business case for investment in sustainable frameworks such as Circular Economy. As the EU takes forward its next environment policy initiatives, the priority should be a framework that combines ambition with legal certainty, supports investment and delivers practical outcomes across Europe.
:focal())
Joint industry statement urges review of product sustainability labelling
Together with 14 industry associations from various sectors, AmCham EU has signed a joint statement calling for the withdrawal of horizontal label requirements under the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation. While supporting the objective of improving the sustainability of products placed on the EU market and providing transparent information to consumers, the group warn that introducing horizontal labelling requirements without specific metrics and methodologies risks creating regulatory complexity and consumer confusion. The signatoires urges EU policymakers to instead address the need for a label and potential related requirements through product-specific measures supported by robust methodologies.
Industry coalition calls for Internal market legal basis in the Circular Economy Act
Together with over 70 industry associations representing a wide range of sectors, AmCham EU has signed a joint statement calling for the upcoming Circular Economy Act to be grounded in an internal market legal basis. The statement highlights the need for harmonised EU rules to address fragmentation in waste management systems across Member States and support the development of a functioning Single Market for secondary raw materials. It also underlines the importance of a consistent EU framework to strengthen circularity, improve waste management performance and support investment in recycling and resource efficiency.
Policy priorities
Insights and advocacy driving Europe’s policy agenda. Our priorities support growth, innovation and a stronger transatlantic economy.
Membership
Connecting business and policymakers to strengthen the voice of American companies in Europe.