In a statement, the EC identifies Portugal, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Estonia, Finland, Greece, Hungary, Latvia, Malta, Poland, Romania, Slovakia and Spain as the member states that “need to do more so that their populations and their economies benefit from the circular economy,” according to the latest report on the implementation of EU waste legislation.
“For this reason, the Commission is putting forward proposals to ensure that these countries comply with EU waste management legislation,” added the statement, in which Brussels offers “technical assistance, support from the Structural Funds and assistance in the sharing of waste best practices.”
The report, published on Monday, also details that Portugal is one of the member states that does not meet the specific targets for glass recycling, together with Greece, Malta, Cyprus, Hungary, Poland and Romania.
All EU countries have committed to achieving the 50 percent municipal waste recycling target by 2020. The directive has recently been revised to include more ambitious targets: 55 percent in 2025, 60 percent in 2030, and 65 percent in 2035.
The EU’s waste legislation forms the core of Europe’s transition to the Circular Economy strategy proposed by the Juncker Commission, and is an opportunity for growth, jobs and improving resource efficiency.
Commissioner for Environment, Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, Karmenu Vella, said: “With the EU waste rules recently adopted by the European Parliament and by the Council of Ministers, Europe can become the global front-runner for modern waste management and further develop its circular economy. There are still differences across Europe, but progress is necessary and possible if the respective national and local authorities implement the actions identified in this report.
“The Commission is there to help by offering technical assistance, structural fund support and support in the exchange of best practices.”
Following the results of this report, the European Commission will carry out visits to those Member States which are at risk of not meeting the 2020 target to “discuss opportunities and challenges with national, regional and local authorities as well as economic agents, including companies.”