As January comes to a close, Brussels is juggling plastics circularity, waste shipment reform, regulatory simplification and a renewed push for European industry. Read on for the key updates shaping the circular economy in practice!
Commission tests environmental legislation simplification with stakeholders: On 26 January, consultants including Trinomics, WSP and Ricardo held a workshop showing findings on business and public authority administrative burden costs derived from environmental legislation.
New Digital Waste Shipment System updates: On 26 January, the Commission published new technical documentation enabling interconnection with the central Digital Waste Shipment System via APIs, available on the WSR webpages dedicated to DIWASS.
Joint letter raises concerns over the new EU waste shipment rules: On 28 January, FEAD and European value chain partners sent a joint letter to Commissioner Jessika Roswall urging a workable implementation of the new intra-EU waste shipment rules applying from May 2026.
Commission to review whether waste shipment rules speed up hazardous waste movements: On 27 January, the Commission said in its answer to a Parliamentary question that it will assess whether Regulation (EU) 2024/1157 simplifies and accelerates shipments of hazardous waste to recovery.
Cypriot Presidency presents ENVI priorities including Environmental Omnibus: On 29 January, ENVI exchanged views with Minister Marie Panayiotou on the Presidency’s priorities, according to the European Parliament agenda item.
PFAS pollution could cost up to €1.7 trillion by 2050: On 29 January, the Commission published a new study estimating that cleaning up water and soil contaminated by ‘eternal pollutants’ (PFAS) could cost society up to €1,700 billion by 2050 if EU drinking water and waterway limits are fully enforced.
Call for evidence on restriction of non-polymeric aromatic brominated flame retardants: On 29 January, the European Chemicals Agency presented the expected scope and information needs for a potential REACH restriction of non-polymeric aromatic brominated flame retardants. The Agency is seeking input by 18 March through its call for evidence.
Parliament Think Tank outlines challenges for the Circular Economy Act: On 27 January, the European Parliament Think Tank published a briefing on the planned Circular Economy Act.
Auditors warn weak data may undermine e-waste-based own resources: On 28 January, the European Court of Auditors warned in an opinion that data used for waste-based own resources may be under-reported. The Court cites free-riders, small producer exclusions and gaps in online sales, recalling similar concerns in its 2024 assessment with regards to the plastics own resource.
Online marketplaces under scrutiny as SHEIN appears before IMCO: On 27 January, SHEIN attended an IMCO meeting, according to the European Parliament meeting entry, amid intensified scrutiny of online marketplaces’ compliance with EU product safety and consumer protection rules.
Industry groups warn against state-run PRO models: On 27 January, industry associations warned in a joint statement published by EuroCommerce that emerging state-run PRO models risk market distortion, legal uncertainty and reduced private investment.
Simplification omnibus on EU chemical products discussed in ENVI/IMCO: On 29 January, ENVI and IMCO reviewed the draft report on the Commission proposal amending EU chemicals legislation under the sixth simplification omnibus, according to the European Parliament joint meeting notice.
BIC report calls for EPR for food products to cut food waste: On 22 January, the Bio-based Industries Consortium and Zero Waste Europe presented a new report warning that the EU is off track to meet its 2030 food waste and climate targets. The report proposes introducing Extended Producer Responsibility for Food Products (EPRFP), as discussed in a webinar recording.
