Trends in the circular economy development in the European Union

Abstract

The article examines current trends in the circular economy development in the European Union, which is justly considered to be the leader in this area. The author enlists priority sectors, which are targeted by the Circular Economy Action Plan adopted in 2015. The paper examines a European strategy for plastics, which has ambitious targets till 2030, and a Critical Raw Materials initiative that is important for the EU as for an importer of many commodities. The latter leads to such benefits as supply risks mitigation and savings in energy and water. European Union’s key instruments aimed at making products more sustainable are discussed. Specifically, Ecodesign and energy labelling, Green Public Procurement, Ecolabel, and Enhanced Producer Responsibility scheme are presented. The author touches upon financing of circular economy innovations and adaptation of the industrial base in the EU. Over the 2016–2020 period, more than 10 billion euro in public funding has been provided. Half of this amount is designated for the purpose of the waste legislation support. Horizon 2020, Europe’s largest research and innovation programme, is one of the circular economy financing tools. 257 circular economy related projects were selected as a result of three calls for projects proposals amounting to 1,45 bln. The author’s review shows the large scale of changes in the European Union driven by implementation of the circular economy principles, which is important for the region’s trade partners.

Conservation Agriculture on Ukrainian Chernozems

“…Though Chernozems are fertile and productive soils, organic and mineral fertilizers are required to maintain their fertility. The increased yield from fertilizers was 50% in Forest Chernozems and 40% in Steppe Chernozems, and additional 20-15% and 40% yield for these soils with irrigation (Nosko, 1991). The commonly used fertilizer rates (kg ha -1 ) in typical Chernozems are: N 80 P 70 K 60 for winter wheat, N 80-120 P 90-120 K 120 + manure 30 t ha -1 for corn, N 60 P 60 K 40 for barley, N 90-120 P 70-90 K 40-60 + manure 20-40 t ha -1 for rice, N 60-80 P 60-80 K 40-60 for buckwheat, N 30-45 P 45 K 45 for soybean, N 160 P 170 K 150 + manure 30-50 t ha -1 for sugar beet, N 60 P 60 K 60 for sunflower, N 45-90 P 60 K 60-120 + manure 30 t ha -1 for potato (Solanum tuberosum), and N 90-120 P 40-60 K 80-120 + manure 20-30 t ha -1 for rape (Marchuk et al, 2011).…”

Conceptual features of the circular economy and the possibilities of its formation using smart systems

“…Accordingly, the conceptual model of a circular economy presupposes the maximum reduction in the volume of waste generated with all possible government support for relevant initiatives, including in the sectoral and regional sections. The practice of energy and environmental labeling of products, "green" public procurement, and the expansion of producer responsibility is used [9]. The diversity of the aspectual development of the circular economy is emphasized by the author's positions.…”

Sustainability from Policy to Practice: Assessing the Impact of European Research and Innovation Frameworks on Circular Bioeconomy

“…They play a vital role in promoting climate neutrality and ensuring environmental, economic, and social sustainability [25,29]. Moreover, these strategies are integral components driving the development of the CBE, with a particular emphasis on the bio-based sectors [30]. The commitment to CBE development is further manifested in the EU's focus on cultivating partnerships, facilitating upscaling endeavors, and maximizing knowledge utilization, as highlighted by Lange et al (2021) [31].…”