The transition towards a more competitive and resource-efficient European economy requires significant public and private investment and could benefit from the use of economic, market-based instruments at EU, national and regional level. For example, at EU level, Cohesion policy funds, Horizon 2020 and the European Fund for Strategic Investments can be used to finance circular economy activities and stimulate investments. In addition, the Commission is exploring how instruments such as Green Public Procurement could be used to encourage smarter use of resources, including reuse and recycling of products and materials. Also, member states have a number of tools at their disposal, including taxation, which can be used to stimulate the circular economy. This Dialogue, organised with the support of Suez, explored the different economic instruments and financing mechanisms available, the lessons learned so far, and highlighted key recommendations from an expert panel on how best to encourage the transition to a circular economy.

Speakers included: Annika Hedberg, Senior Policy Analyst at the European Policy Centre (EPC), Pavel Telička, Member of the European Parliament, Davor Skrlec, Member of the European Parliament, Claire Dadou-Willmann, Director of 2ACR, Leon Wijnands, Global Head of Sustainability, ING Group, Lieze Cloots, Head International Policy Unit, Public Waste Agency of Flanders, Peter Handley, Head of Unit Resource Efficiency, Secretariat-General, European Commission