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Implementing the Circular Economy in the European Union and Spain: Links to the Low-Carbon Transition

Author

Listed:
  • Maria del P. Pablo-Romero

    (Department of Economic Analysis and Political Economy, Universidad de Sevilla, 41018 Sevilla, Spain)

  • Antonio Sánchez-Braza

    (Department of Economic Analysis and Political Economy, Universidad de Sevilla, 41018 Sevilla, Spain)

  • Cristóbal Torreblanca

    (Department of Economic Analysis and Political Economy, Universidad de Sevilla, 41018 Sevilla, Spain)

Abstract

This paper reviews and analyzes the process of the implementation of the circular economy in the European Union (EU) and Spain, and its links to the low-carbon transition. The EU implementation of the circular economy went through several stages. Since the adoption of the first action plan in 1993, the links between the circular economy and carbon transition goals have become intertwined. Recently, the EU approved the framework of new monitoring measures and indicators for the circular economy. The adopted actions have involved the adaptation of European legislation at the national level. Spain has participated in this process since 2017, when the Circular Economy Pact was signed. The subsequent approval of the Spanish Strategy for a Circular Economy in 2020 was developed, considering a close relationship between decarbonization and the circular economy. Lately, the circular economy implementation has been strengthened with the strategic project for economic recovery and transformation, linked to the recovery of COVID-19, and the roadmap for the sustainable management of mineral raw materials, with both documents including actions directly related to transforming the energy system. Data show that Spain has made significant improvements in the circular economy transition. However, Spain’s vulnerability to externalities is greater than that of the EU as a whole.

Suggested Citation

  • Maria del P. Pablo-Romero & Antonio Sánchez-Braza & Cristóbal Torreblanca, 2024. "Implementing the Circular Economy in the European Union and Spain: Links to the Low-Carbon Transition," Energies, MDPI, vol. 17(21), pages 1-24, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:17:y:2024:i:21:p:5255-:d:1504015
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Kirchherr, Julian & Reike, Denise & Hekkert, Marko, 2017. "Conceptualizing the circular economy: An analysis of 114 definitions," Resources, Conservation & Recycling, Elsevier, vol. 127(C), pages 221-232.
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