Earlier this month, more than 300 circular economy stakeholders came together at the French Ministry of Economy and Finance for Club Circul'R, which this time focused on the forthcoming Circular Economy Act (CEA). 

Eric Mamer, Director-General for the Environment at the European Commission, spoke about what the CEA will simplify and what it will require. This was followed by a round table with major industrialists and the Circular Alliance Awards (Trophées des Alliances Circulaires).

Circul'R, a member of the ECESP Coordination Group, presented the ECESP, explaining that this joint initiative conveys the views of stakeholders in the transition, such as businesses, NGOs, trade unions, think tanks and public authorities, to the European legislators.

Circul'R took the opportunity to sound out participants on the circular VAT. While VAT imposes a tax on added value, the circular economy endeavours to preserve value: should VAT be applied every time a product is put back into circulation? 89% of those present felt that VAT should act as a lever to promote circular products and models, and 77% were in favour of applying a drastically reduced rate – or even no VAT at all – to used and refurbished products.