European Commission Executive Vice-President Teresa Ribera, speaking on 17 June 2026 at the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) 606th Plenary Session, framed the circular and climate-neutral transition as an integrated competitiveness, security and social project, rejecting the notion that sustainability is a luxury Europe can no longer afford. Ribera argued that the transition is not a burden but a driver for innovation, decent jobs and wealth creation, and called for broad societal participation to ensure fairness.
Ribera described the circular economy as a path to reduce dependence on imported raw materials, lower costs, and strengthen strategic autonomy, while warning that the old model based on excessive resource consumption and fossil fuel dependency creates vulnerabilities. She noted that the circular economy already employs 4.3 million people in the EU, but secondary materials account for only about 12% of material use, indicating significant untapped potential. The speech contained no new concrete policy proposals, numerical targets, deadlines or legislative announcements, instead offering broad declaratory support for integrating ecological, social and economic objectives.
Ribera emphasised that competitiveness in the 21st century will depend on efficiency, sustainability, resilience and participation, and that the transition must be experienced as fair by citizens, workers and regions. She stressed the importance of social dialogue and the role of the EESC in ensuring policies remain grounded in social reality. The speech also framed the transition as a democratic challenge requiring trust in institutions and broad participation, warning against denial or hiding of challenges.
The address did not reference any prior EU legislative initiatives or ongoing interinstitutional negotiations, and no specific timeline or budget figures were mentioned. Ribera's remarks align with the general orientation of the von der Leyen Commission but did not introduce new commitments or shift the status quo on any specific file.
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