EU Commissioner Jessika Roswall, in her opening remarks at a 19 September 2025 roundtable in Tokyo hosted by the Green Alliance, outlined a strategic proposal to strengthen EU-Japan cooperation on the circular economy. This address articulated the urgency of transitioning towards circular economic models amid global crises such as protectionism, supply chain disruptions, and climate change.
Strengthening EU-Japan Partnership on Circular Economy Roswall emphasized that despite current global economic destabilization, the EU sees an opportunity to deepen ties with Japan, a country sharing the EU’s ambition for competitive, resilient, and inclusive circular economies. Both parties aim to decouple economic growth from environmental harm while promoting shared prosperity.
Circular Economy Act The Commissioner announced a forthcoming Circular Economy Act, expected in 2026, intended to bolster the Single Market for secondary raw materials and waste within the EU. The Act will combine supply and demand-side measures aimed at improving market functioning, simplifying rules, and reducing administrative burdens. Key focal points include the electronic and electrical equipment waste sector, with less than 40% currently recycled, signaling a targeted drive to increase recycling rates and efficiency.
Policy Implications and Stakeholder Impact The Act proposes increased EU regulatory power over secondary raw material markets, thereby increasing supervision and standardization to stimulate demand and investor confidence. This shift aims to create a fairer market, ensuring producers embrace extended producer responsibilities including product lifecycle considerations.
EU producers in recycling and manufacturing sectors could face new compliance costs but stand to gain from clearer market signals and enhanced demand for recycled inputs. Conversely, producers reliant on primary raw materials may experience pressure to adapt to circular standards. National authorities will have increased enforcement roles, while EU consumers may benefit from more sustainable and potentially longer-lasting products. NGOs and environmental groups may view the targeted focus on waste streams and lifecycle sustainability measures positively, anticipating reduced environmental impacts.
Roswall’s speech highlights the intent to drive systemic change beyond recycling, focusing on resource reduction, sustainable design, and shared product usage models. This positions the EU and Japan to jointly face the challenge of resource limitations and market uncertainties, while balancing economic competitiveness and environmental sustainability.
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