Europe has changed fundamentally since the single market was launched.

The global demographic and economic landscape has shifted, the rules-based international order faces serious challenges, the EU pillars of free trade and openness are being called into question and the sectors covered by the single market need to be updated.

The single market therefore needs to be adapted to new requirements, including the imperative to embed circular economy principles. A new framework is required: it must protect the fundamental freedoms, based on a level playing field, while supporting the objective of establishing a dynamic and effective European industrial policy.

The report contains policy recommendations for the future of the single market, such as establishing a Circular Single Market.

In 2023, signatories of the Circular Cities Declaration were asked to report on their progress in transitioning towards a circular economy. 

54 cities and regions from all over Europe contributed to this Progress Report which provides an overview of how the circular economy is being implemented by cities, the challenges they are facing, and how they are showing the way forward.

It also sheds light on measuring and reporting progress, as what isn’t measured cannot be effectively managed, and regenerating nature, a central yet often overlooked principle of the circular economy.

This Progress Report will bring valuable insight for decision makers at every level of government. To cities, it will provide inspiration, and to governments or to the EU, it will hopefully inform policies.