A CLOSER LOOK

EC published its Circular Economy Action Plan

• 19.03.2020
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On the 11th March, the European Commission released its Circular Economy Action Plan, as part of the Green Deal.This initiative aims to scale up the circular economy from front runners to the mainstream economy, reusing as long as possible our resources. Water Europe welcomes the dedicated place for water in this action plan which is in line with our vision to achieve a Water Smart Society.

The European Union recognizes the risk of water stress due to resource inefficiency in our economy, especially for food productions. Going beyond the new Water reuse regulation to encourage reuse in agriculture, the European Commission opens new rooms to achieve a Water Smart society by making a clear reference to industrial water: “The new Water Reuse Regulation will encourage circular approaches to water reuse in agriculture. The Commission will facilitate water reuse and water efficiency, including in industrial processes.” (page 15). Additionally, WE welcomes the support to:

• the implementation of the requirements of the Drinking Water directive to make drinkable tap water accessible in public places to reduce the dependence on bottled water and prevent packaging waste. This initiative is, therefore, key to tackle pollution at the source. 
• the elimination of micro-plastic in our drinking water.
• the proposal for a comprehensive EU strategy for textile considers the importance of water for this sector and its high pressure and contamination of this resource. 

Previously this month, the Support to circular Economy Financing Expert Group released a report on the Categorisation System for Circular Economy. With a sector-agnostic approach, the reports fully integrates the opportunities from the water sector to foster circular management of :

• Rain and grey water from buildings, infrastructure and facilities. It opens optimistic rooms for considering the value of water in the EU building strategy and also for industrial reuse.  
• Recycling and reuse of wastewater including from industrial, household and agriculture purpose and their valorisation.
• The consideration of the water quality for nature and human health in the rehabilitation of degraded land to return to useful state and the preparation of brownfield sites in preparation for redevelopment. 

Water Europe will follow-up these initiatives in collaboration with its Working Groups and Vision leadership teams. For more information, please contact Loic Charpentier.