7 February 2018. Brussels. Infopoint Lunchtime conference. The circular economy is a high priority of the EU. It is now also gaining traction with the international development community, and there is growing optimism about the potential of the circular economy as a new model for sustainable growth in developing countries. Presentations: Astrid Schomaker, Director, DG ENV.F - Global Sustainable Development Felix Preston, Senior Research Fellow and Deputy Research Director, Energy, Environment and Resources, Chatham House

1. Environment
The Circular Economy in
Developing Countries
Astrid Schomaker,
Director for Global Sustainable Development,
DG Environment
European Commission
The External Cooperation Infopoint
7 February 2018
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2. • The EU is a lighthouse for the transition toward a circular,
resource efficient and low-carbon economy.
• The Circular Economy model reconciles economic growth
objectives with environmental sustainability
• Circularity is the gateway to the future envisaged by the
2030 Agenda and the Paris Agreement
Redesigning the future
through circular economy
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3. 3
The Circular Economy
in the EU
4 key areas of actions 5 priority sectors

4. The 2018 Circular Economy Package
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• A Europe-wide EU Strategy for Plastics in the Circular Economy
• A Communication on options to address the interface between
chemical, product and waste legislation
• A Monitoring Framework on progress towards a circular economy at
EU and national level.
• A Report on Critical Raw Materials and the circular economy
The Circular Economy
in the EU

5. A coherent international approach to
the circular economy by the EU is still
missing
The circular economy model can truly
be effective when it is implemented
across all value chains and
geographical boundaries, harnessing
the potential of globalization
The international
dimension
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We need a global transition to
circular economy in cooperation
with developing countries
©iStock/imaginima

6. Circular Economy in
developing countries
• The current linear economy model is not sustainable
– either for developed or developing countries
• The rise of the middle class in emerging economies
and developing countries will change consumption
patterns with a strong impact on the environment and
will contribute to exacerbate climate change
• Moving towards more sustainable patterns of
consumption and production will be more pressing
than ever
• Circular economy may lead to some trade-offs that
need continued dialogue and cooperation.
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7. Thank you!
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