Accelerate the circular economy for a prosperous and competitive Europe

This article presents the policy brief developed by the Circular Cities Frontrunner Group, coordinated by Amsterdam and supported by ICLEI Europe and the Ellen MacArthur Foundation.

A coalition of European cities has published a new policy brief calling on EU institutions to strengthen the enabling framework for local circular economy implementation. The Circular Cities Frontrunner Group, consisting of cities such as Amsterdam, Milan, Malmö, Copenhagen, Turku and Porto, has developed the brief as a shared contribution to the EU’s next political cycle.
The policy brief, titled Accelerate the circular economy for a prosperous and competitive Europe, builds on a joint open letter addressed to Members of the European Parliament in late 2024 and outlines how cities can help scale the circular transition—if the right policy conditions are in place.

The policy brief outlines nine policy demands, grouped under three priorities:

Elevate the ambition of circular economy to reap co-benefits
1. Harness circular economy to cut consumption-based emissions
2. Reduce material consumption to enhance Europe’s strategic autonomy
3. Ensure the transition to a circular economy is just and inclusive, leaving no one behind

Strengthen support to cities for scaling-up the circular economy
1. Ensure a multilevel governance approach in policy development and implementation
2. Shift funding from piloting towards scaling-up
3. Build capacity in cities to support circular economy implementation

Mobilise economic policy instruments to promote circular economy approaches
1. Build the case to reform the linear tax system
2. Leverage public procurement to provide a launch market for circular businesses
3. Send clear signals to de-risk private investment

The brief contributes to ongoing discussions around the Circular Economy Act, the EU’s competitiveness agenda and the future of multilevel governance.

Cities are already leading
From Malmö’s resource hub and circular coaching for businesses, to Turku’s material flow mapping and Vitoria-Gasteiz’s material consumption target, the brief highlights tested solutions that could be scaled with EU support.

The group calls for clear EU action through the proposed Circular Economy Act, the future Clean Industrial Deal, and the 2028–2034 EU budget. The brief also calls for structured engagement with local authorities throughout the design, funding and monitoring of EU circular policies.

Endorse and share
Cities, networks and partners are invited to endorse the policy brief and share its demands with EU and national policymakers.