This report was drawn up by Italy's Circular Economy Network for the 2026 National Conference on the Circular Economy. 

It finds that while Italy is a leader in Europe when it comes to circularity, it is the most dependent on imports of materials. 46.6% of processed raw materials are imported, well above the EU average of 22.4%. This cost Italy EUR 600 billion in 2025, a 23.3% increase on 2021, largely because prices are rising sharply.

However, Italy's circular material use rate in Europe was 21.6% in 2024, the highest in Europe. 85.6% of waste is recycled (EU average: 41.2%) and 76.7% of packaging is recycled (EU average: 67.5%).

The full report is available in Italian and there is a summary in English.

The website also includes links to previous years' reports.

The Commission's DG Environment and DG for International Cooperation and Development commissioned a study on the circular economy in Africa, and eight country reports were drawn up in preparation for a continent-wide report on the prospects of the circular economy in Africa.

The South Africa report examines the scope and status of the circular economy there. It looks at the policy framework, trade and investments and the impact and benefits of the circular economy. It also explores circular economy-related cooperation between the EU and South Africa. It concludes that South Africa already promotes a green economy agenda in Africa and the national government is now planning to pivot to a circular economy in the wake of the pandemic.