Publication: A systematic analysis of EU publications on the Circular Economy

This report proposes a systematic analysis of all EU publications on the circular economy available in the Publications Office of the European Union database through December 31, 2022. Principal findings indicate that: Publications began to appear prior to the 2015 release of the first Circular Economy Action Plan and grew in number as we approached the 2020 release of the second Circular Economy Action Plan; The majority of publications originate from a handful of European Commission Directorates General, followed by the European Environment Agency. Recycling is by far the most frequently discussed circular economy strategy, while reducing and reusing are discussed much less frequently despite their higher potential and priority position in the EU waste hierarchy. In comparison to biomass, non-metallic minerals, metals and alloys, critical materials, and fossil fuels, plastic receives the most attention; "ecological issues and waste management" and "economic growth and innovation" are frequently cited as justifications for the need for circularity actions, whereas "resource concerns and supply risk", "employment and job creation", and "climate change and emissions" receive limited attention. In the report, these findings are briefly discussed to inform future research in support of prospective policy options to enhance the EU's circular economy.