Europe’s transition to a circular economy is essential for achieving climate neutrality, reducing resource use, and strengthening Europe’s competitiveness, resilience and strategic autonomy. 

However, circularity alone does not automatically lead to fairer social outcomes or improved wellbeing. Without deliberate action, the transition risks reinforcing inequality and leaving people and communities behind. 

A circular economy should not only reduce environmental pressures and improve resource efficiency, but also contribute to quality jobs, healthier communities, stronger social cohesion and improved quality of life. In this context, wellbeing represents the societal goal, while the circular economy provides pathways for enabling people to live well within planetary boundaries. 

This #EU Circular Talk will explore how Europe can accelerate a circular economy that is environmentally sustainable, socially just and centred on people’s wellbeing. Through perspectives from policy, business, research and civil society, participants will discuss how circular economy initiatives can deliver environmental, social and economic benefits, and how different actors can ensure that no one is left behind in the transition. 

The discussion will focus on how justice and wellbeing can be embedded into circular economy policies and implementation, while highlighting practical experiences of inclusive circular solutions and opportunities for collaboration between policymakers, businesses, researchers and communities. 

Draft agenda

Moderator: Rosa Strube, Head of Sustainable Lifestyles, CSCP

• Welcome and introduction
  • Corina Murafa Benga, member of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC)
• Scene-setting presentations
  Two keynote perspectives:
  • European evidence and knowledge on just transition and wellbeing in the circular economy - Sanna Due, Circular Economy Expert, European Environment Agency (EEA) 
  • Analytical and practical perspectives on how circular initiatives can contribute to wellbeing, employment and inclusion - Lewis Akenji, Director, Hot or Cool Institute 
• Panellists:
  • Timea Moreau-Tepliczky, Senior Policy Officer, DG Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion (DG EMPL) 
  • Joss Blériot, Executive Lead, Policy & Institutions, Ellen MacArthur Foundation
• Panel discussion covering these guiding questions: 
  • What does a just circular transition look like in practice?
  • How can circular economy policies better contribute to people’s wellbeing?
  • Which actors are at risk of being left behind, and how can this be avoided?
  • Which policy instruments can support fair outcomes?
  • How should Europe measure success beyond resource efficiency? 
• Closing reflections

This webinar will take place at 14:00-15:30 CET on 3 December.

Registration.