This roundtable event took place on Monday 21 February 2022, 12.00-1.30pm (CET).
Context and background
In February, CLG Europe held a roundtable discussion with the European Commission, Member States and business representatives. This discussion focused upon the role of a circular economy, and how this can support our aims in both relieving stresses on our requirements for Raw Materials, whilst also building a sustainable, competitive economy that is fit for meeting the multiple challenges of growth and climate neutrality. This discussion took place ahead of the February Competitivenesss Council.
Participants discussed a range of different issues, including:
- Challenges arising around material scarcity in Europe
- How you see the role of the Circular Economy in addressing these issues.
- What innovation has been used to overcome these issues.
The roundtable took place ahead of the February Competitiveness Council and followed the conversation around natural resources which took place at the Informal Competitiveness Council 31 Jan-1 February. Our roundtable focused upon the role of the Circular Economy - how an enhanced circular economy can play a key part in both reducing our risk to resource scarcity and to move towards a climate-neutral economy. The aim of these roundtables is to bring together Member State views with progressive businesses. Our aim is to build key conclusions on where the circular economy can play a role.
The event was organized by CLG Europe, an influential and cross-sectoral group of European businesses collaborating to accelerate economy-wide action for a climate neutral economy. Our aim is to provide a forum to promote positive exchange between progressive European governments and businesses, determined to support the development of a climate neutral and prosperous Europe.
Please find a summary note of the event here.
Attendees included:
- Martin Porter, Executive Chair, Brussels, Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership
- Peter Handley, Head of Unit, Raw Materials, European Commission
- Vincent Lepage, Director of Economic Policy Directorate of the Walloon Administration, Belgium
- Camilla Hjermind, Head of Division, Green and Responsible Business, Danish Business Authority, Denmark
- Jekaterina Iljina, Sustainability Advisor, Economic Development Department, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications, Estonia
- Fernanda Ferreira Dias – Director General, Ministry of Economy and Digital Transition, Portugal
- Natalija Medica, Ministry of Economic Development and Technology, Slovenia
- Kaj Lax, Head of Department Mineral Resources, Geological Survey of Sweden
- Edith Guedella – Director of Construction Division, Acciona
- Claudia Bierth – European Sustainability & Public Affairs, Ball
- Rønnaug Sægrov Mysterud – Vice President, Head of EU Affairs, Norsk Hydro
- Emilio Tejedor - Head of Environment & Quality, Iberdrola
- Harry Verhaar – Head of Global Public & Government Affairs, Signify
