On 14 June, as part of the activities of the Belgian Presidency of the Council of the European Union, the Public Waste Agency of Flanders (OVAM) held a workshop on the future of the EU Waste Framework Directive. 

The workshop started with a plenary session with keynote speeches. The European Commission's DG Environment looked back over what has been achieved over the last five years with regard to waste policy and the circular economy, considering ways and means to improve the implementation of the Waste Framework Directive. The European Environment Agency stressed that their studies and recent analyses point to the need to lessen resource use.

During a panel discussion, the European Environmental Bureau, SMEunited and the Council of European Municipalities and Regions brought insights from civil society, business and local governments regarding the challenges and opportunities in terms of strengthening the Waste Framework Directive and EU policies on waste, sustainable management of resources and circularity.

In the afternoon, six breakout sessions focused on waste prevention, waste/non-waste, bio-waste collection, substances of concern in material loops, waste incineration in a circular economy and waste hierarchy. The session on waste hierarchy was led by RREUSE and EuRIC, and participants unanimously emphasised the need for effective implementation of prevention and reuse aspects.

The main findings of the workshop are set out in the event report, including key recommendations for the European Commission.