Challenges and perspectives of the circular economy in the European Union: A comparative analysis of the member states

IF 6.6 2区经济学 Q1 ECOLOGY

Ecological Economics Pub Date : 2024-06-27 DOI:10.1016/j.ecolecon.2024.108294

Francisco José Castillo-Díaz , Luis J. Belmonte-Ureña , Fernando Diánez-Martínez , Francisco Camacho-Ferre

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Abstract

This study features a comprehensive analysis of the status of the circular economy (CE) in the 27 member states of the European Union (EU) and focuses on the CE composite indicator and its specific sub-indicators. The results reveal overall improvements in the implementation of the CE in the period of 2012–2021, although there are significant variations between member countries. Germany is the current leader regarding the use of CE practices, followed by Italy, France, and Belgium. However, there are also notable gaps in critical areas, such as waste management, competitiveness, innovation, and overall sustainability. The study also identifies key factors that influence the implementation of the CE, such as by-product exports, investment in research and development, and waste-management policies. The cluster analysis groups countries into four categories to provide a more detailed view of regional disparities. These findings underline the need for coordinated action at the national and European levels to address remaining challenges and to move towards a more circular and sustainable economy across Europe.

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欧盟循环经济的挑战和前景：成员国比较分析

本研究对欧洲联盟（欧盟）27 个成员国的循环经济（CE）状况进行了全面分析，重点关注 CE 综合指标及其具体子指标。研究结果表明，2012-2021 年期间，欧盟成员国在实施循环经济方面取得了总体改善，但各成员国之间存在显著差异。目前，德国在采用行政首长协调会做法方面处于领先地位，其次是意大利、法国和比利时。然而，在废物管理、竞争力、创新和整体可持续性等关键领域也存在明显差距。研究还确定了影响实施消费电子化的关键因素，如副产品出口、研发投资和废物管理政策。聚类分析将各国分为四类，以便更详细地了解地区差异。这些发现强调了在国家和欧洲层面采取协调行动的必要性，以应对仍然存在的挑战，并在整个欧洲迈向更加循环和可持续的经济。

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来源期刊

Ecological Economics 环境科学-环境科学

CiteScore

12.00

自引率

5.70%

发文量

313

审稿时长

6 months

期刊介绍： Ecological Economics is concerned with extending and integrating the understanding of the interfaces and interplay between "nature''s household" (ecosystems) and "humanity''s household" (the economy). Ecological economics is an interdisciplinary field defined by a set of concrete problems or challenges related to governing economic activity in a way that promotes human well-being, sustainability, and justice. The journal thus emphasizes critical work that draws on and integrates elements of ecological science, economics, and the analysis of values, behaviors, cultural practices, institutional structures, and societal dynamics. The journal is transdisciplinary in spirit and methodologically open, drawing on the insights offered by a variety of intellectual traditions, and appealing to a diverse readership. Specific research areas covered include: valuation of natural resources, sustainable agriculture and development, ecologically integrated technology, integrated ecologic-economic modelling at scales from local to regional to global, implications of thermodynamics for economics and ecology, renewable resource management and conservation, critical assessments of the basic assumptions underlying current economic and ecological paradigms and the implications of alternative assumptions, economic and ecological consequences of genetically engineered organisms, and gene pool inventory and management, alternative principles for valuing natural wealth, integrating natural resources and environmental services into national income and wealth accounts, methods of implementing efficient environmental policies, case studies of economic-ecologic conflict or harmony, etc. New issues in this area are rapidly emerging and will find a ready forum in Ecological Economics.