Electrification is gaining momentum across many sectors, including transport, buildings and industry, driven by the EU's climate ambition and security of supply. As the cost of renewable energy technologies like solar and wind continues to fall, electrification presents an opportunity to reshape the European economy, enhancing competitiveness and promoting sustainable growth.

EPRS Science and Technology podcast - What if electrification transformed the EU economy?

In March 2018, the EU introduced a legislative package on the fair taxation of the digital economy. It contained proposals for an interim and a long-term digital tax. However, there was no immediate political agreement in the Council. As finding a global solution at the OECD level or a coordinated EU approach was not yet feasible at the time, some Member States started designing or implementing their own digital taxes, which gave rise to trade tensions. In this podcast, we talk about taxing the digital economy. We analyse the main challenges, look at EU proposals and new developments to make international tax regimes fit for the digital age.

EPRS policy podcast - Taxing the digital economy: New developments and the way forward

In the first two decades of the 21st century, with new risks and opportunities arising owing to the twin digital and green transformations there is an emerging debate, rethinking economic growth theories with more focus on inclusion and combatting inequality, and exploring the relevance of traditional welfare state models. This debate has intensified in the wake of the 2008 crisis, and now also as a result of the coronavirus pandemic and crisis. The social economy can play a central role in this context.

EPRS policy podcast - What future for the social economy?

International maritime transport is the backbone of the global economy. However, vessels release emissions that pollute the air and contribute significantly to global warming. As shipping is forecast to grow, reducing these emissions is urgent, in order not to undermine emissions-reducing efforts in other areas, to keep humans healthy, preserve the environment and limit climate change.

EPRS policy podcast - Decarbonising maritime transport: The EU perspective

The European Union produces more than&nbsp;2.2 billion tonnes of waste every year. It is currently updating its&nbsp;legislation on waste management&nbsp;to promote a shift to a more sustainable model known as the circular economy.

The circular economy is a&nbsp;model of production and consumption, which involves sharing, leasing, reusing, repairing, refurbishing and recycling existing materials and products as long as possible. In this way, the&nbsp;life cycle of products is extended.

In March 2020, the European Commission presented the circular economy action plan,&nbsp;&nbsp;which aims to promote more sustainable product design, reduce waste and empower consumers, for example by creating aright to repair). There is a focus on resource intensive sectors, such as&nbsp;electronics and ICT,&nbsp;plastics,&nbsp;textiles&nbsp;and construction.

In February 2021, the Parliament adopted a resolution on the&nbsp;new circular economy action plan&nbsp;demanding additional measures to achieve a carbon-neutral, environmentally sustainable, toxic-free and fully circular economy by 2050, including tighter recycling rules and&nbsp;binding targets for materials use and consumption&nbsp;by 2030.

In March 2022, the Commission released the&nbsp;first package of measures&nbsp;to speed up the transition towards a circular economy, as part of the circular economy action plan. The proposals include boosting sustainable products, empowering consumers for the green transition, reviewing construction product regulation, and creating a strategy on sustainable textiles.

In November 2022, the Commission proposed&nbsp;new EU-wide rules on packaging. It aims to reduce packaging waste and improve packaging design, with for example clear labelling to promote reuse and recycling; and calls for a transition to bio-based, biodegradable and compostable plastics.

Circular economy

Unlike the traditional linear economic model based on a 'take-make-consume-throw away' pattern, a circular economy is based on reuse, repair, refurbishment and recycling, in an (almost) closed loop.

Although waste management in the European Union (EU) has improved considerably in the past decades, almost a third of municipal waste is still landfilled and less than half is recycled or composted, with wide variations between Member States. Improving waste management could deliver positive effects for the environment, climate, human health and the economy. As part of a shift in EU policy towards a circular economy, the European Commission made four legislative proposals introducing new waste-management targets regarding reuse, recycling and landfilling. The proposals also strengthen provisions on waste prevention and extended producer responsibility, and streamline definitions, reporting obligations and calculation methods for targets.

Circular economy - 8th parliamentary term

The collaborative economy is based on the sharing of human and physical resources like creation, production, distribution, trade and consumption of goods and services. 

A 2016 Eurobarometer showed that 17% of European consumers have used services provided by the collaborative economy, and 52% are aware of the services offered. Peer-to-peer accommodation is the largest collaborative economy sector on the basis of generated commerce, while peer-to-peer transportation is the largest measured by platform revenue.

Collaborative economy - 8th parliamentary term

&nbsp;Arelatively recent phenomenon, the collaborative economy has become to the centre of the interest&nbsp;a decade in some areas of activities, such as car-sharing or short-term lets. Although it is now a well-known term – with alternative names from the 'sharing' to 'gig' to 'peer-to-peer' economy – it remains difficult to grasp precisely, beyond the central feature that potential consumers and providers are connected via a digital platform that matches demand and supply, providing cheap access to information on a very large scale.

These 'match-makers' make it possible for non-professional providers to offer goods and servicesin a wide range of activities, generating value and with the potential for further development.

The success of collaborative platforms has raised concerns regarding workers’ rights and unfair advantages these firms might enjoy over traditional companies that are bound by stricter legal regulations. Taxation issues in the collaborative economy increasingly highlight the need for an in-depth look into taxation, focusing on the link between the value created and tax, and the need for a level playing field for incumbent business facing competition from these new entrants to the market.

See more on this topic by visiting our package&nbsp; for the 8th parliamentary term.

Collaborative economy

This package contains the events between 1st July 2019 and 31 December 2020. For latest events, see related links.

In its resolution on the European Green Deal, Parliament called for an ambitious new circular economy action plan aiming to reduce the total environmental and resource footprint of EU production and consumption, with resource efficiency, zero pollution and waste prevention as key priorities.

Circular economy (2019 - 2020)

Paolo Gentiloni, born on 22 November 1954 in Rome, is an Italian politician.

After the hearing by the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs (ECON) of the European Parliament, the committee prepares an evaluation letter on the candidate. Parliament is expected to vote on the new Commission as a whole on 23 October.

Hearing of Paolo GENTILONI, Commissioner-designate, Economy

As part of a shift in EU policy towards a circular economy, the European Parliament worked on four legislative proposals introducing new waste-management targets regarding reuse, recycling and landfilling. The proposals also strengthen provisions on waste prevention and extended producer responsibility, and streamline definitions, reporting obligations and calculation methods for targets.

#EUelections2019 - Circular economy

ECB President Christine Lagarde will brief MEPs on the state of European and global economic affairs and the European Central Bank’s activities, followed by a debate with MEPs. On Tuesday, MEPs will adopt their annual set of recommendations for the ECB on which issues it should prioritise.

Debate on the state of the EU economy and ECB activities with Christine Lagarde

Valdis Dombrovskis was Executive Vice-President of the European Commission in charge of an Economy that works for People, and Commissioner for Trade in the von der Leyen Commission I. He was also Vice-President of the EC in charge of the Euro and Social Dialogue, and in charge of Financial Stability, Financial Services and Capital Markets Union in the Juncker Commission and he is a former Member of the EP. He is now European Commissioner-designate for Economy and Productivity, and European Commissioner-designate for Implementation and Simplification, for the von der Leyen Commission II.

Confirmation hearing of Valdis DOMBROVSKIS, Commisioner-designate for Economy and Productivity Implementation and Simplification

Jessika Roswall was Swedish Minister for EU Affairs since 2022. She is now European Commissioner-designate for Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy, for the von der Leyen Commission II.

Confirmation hearing of Jessika ROSWALL, Commissioner-designate, Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy

ENVI - Exchange of views with Jessika Roswall, Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy, and presentation of the Water Resilience Strategy

Policy Department for External Relations – Workshop: "EU Trade and the Digital Economy"

Delegation for Relations with Israel - Ordinary Meeting - Exchange of Views on EU-Israel Relations in the Field of Economy, with Mr. Nir Barkat, Minister of Economy and Industry of the State of Israel

Press point by Valdis DOMBROVSKIS, Commissioner-designate for Economy and Productivity, Implementation and Simplification

Press point by Aurore LALUCQ (S&D, France), Chair of ECON, following the confirmation hearing of Valdis DOMBROVSKIS, Commissioner for Economy and Productivity; Implementation and Simplification

Confirmation hearing of Valdis DOMBROVSKIS, Commissioner-designate, Economy and Productivity, Implementation and Simplification

CONFIRMATION

HEARING

Press point by Antonio DECARO (S&D, Italy), Chair of ENVI, following the confirmation hearing of Jessika ROSWALL, Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy

Press conference by Valdis DOMBROVSKIS, EC Executive Vice-President for Economy and Nicolas SCHMIT Commissioner for jobs and social rights on developing social economy framework conditions

EC read out by Valdis DOMBROVSKIS, EC Executive Vice-President for Economy and Mairead MCGUINNESS, Commissioner  for financial services on a new sustainable finance framework

1 year of the Social Economy Action Plan, 10 years of Social Economy Europe: The opportunity to build a European economy that works for people & the planet

Press conference by Valdis DOMBROVSKIS, EC Executive Vice-President, Paolo GENTILONI, Commissioner for Economy and Nicolas SCHIMIT, Commissioner for Jobs and Social Rights on the Autumn 2023 European

Press conference by Kadri SIMSON, Commissioner for Energy on the proposal for a market correction mechanism to protect citizens and the economy against excessive gas prices

9th Innovation day 2022 - INCREASING RESILIENCE OF EU's ECONOMY AND SOCIETY TO COPE WITH CLIMATE CHANGE

9th Innovation day 2022 - ECONOMY & INDUSTRY

Green Tech Talk: new digital economy for workers, consumers & the environment

Press conference by Esther de LANGE, Group Vice Chairwoman responsible for Economy and Environment, Peter LIESE, Group Spokesman in the Environment committee committee and Christian EHLER PP Group’s Spokesman in Industry Committee on the EPP Group's ...

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Conference on the Future of Europe - Plenary - Stronger economy, social justice and jobs

Conference on the Future of Europe - workgroup: A stronger economy, social justice and jobs

INTA workshop : EU’s trade and digital economy - Challenges and opportunities for SMEs

ENVI - Exchange of views with Jessika Roswall, Commissioner responsible for Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy, as part of the structured dialogue

JURI - Exchange of views with Valdis Dombrovskis, Commissioner for Economy and Productivity, Implementation and Simplification

Roberta METSOLA, EP President meets with Omar PAGANINI, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Uruguay and Azucena ARBELECHE, Minister of Economy and Finance of Uruguay

TRAN - Presentation of a study on the Role of the Longevity Economy in the tourism

ECON JURI - Confirmation hearing of Valdis DOMBROVSKIS, European Commissioner-designate for Economy and Productivity, Implementation and Simplification.- Press point

ECON JURI - Confirmation hearing of Valdis DOMBROVSKIS, European Commissioner-designate for Economy and Productivity, Implementation and Simplification

ENVI - Confirmation hearing of Jessika ROSWALL, European Commissioner-designate for Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy - Press point

ENVI - Confirmation hearing of Jessika ROSWALL, European Commissioner-designate for Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy

ENVI Committee - Exchange of views with Dr Anikó Raisz, Secretary of State for Environmental Affairs and Circular Economy, Ministry of Energy, Hungarian Council Presidency

EP Plenary session - Data collection and sharing relating to short-term accommodation rental services

EP Plenary session - Rule 162 - Regaining our competitive edge - a prosperous EU in a fragmented global economy

EP Plenary session - Topical debate - Quality jobs in a competitive future-oriented Social Market economy

EPRS Book Talk - Capitalism Reconnected - Towards a Sustainable, Inclusive and Innovative Market Economy in Europe

EP Plenary session - Commission statement - Commission proposal for a Council recommendation on developing social economy framework conditions

ECON -  Economic Dialogue and exchange of views with Nadia CALVINO, ECOFIN President and First Vice-President of the Government of Spain and Minister for the Economy and Digital Transformation

FISC - Exchange of views with Paolo GENTILONI, Commissioner responsible for Economy, on Tax Matters

This strategy will help the EU shift to a climate-neutral, circular economy where products are designed to be more durable, reusable, repairable, recyclable and energy-efficient. It aims to ensure that the textile industry recovers from the COVID-19 crisis in a sustainable way by making it more competitive, applying circular economy principles to production, products, consumption, waste management and secondary raw materials, directing investment, research and innovation. This infoclip illustrates the Circular economy: sustainable textile strategy with an organization that operates a used clothing collection service to create new and unique piece of clothes and with a leather goods workshop creating bags with recycled tarpaulin

Infoclip: Circular economy: sustainable textile strategy

Bürgerinnen und Bürger aus ganz Europa stimmten für 48 Empfehlungen zur Gestaltung der EU von morgen. Rund 200 TeilnehmerInnen fanden sich in Dublin für die dritte und letzte Tagung des Europäischen Bürgerforums „Eine stärkere Wirtschaft, soziale Gerechtigkeit und Beschäftigung/Bildung, Kultur, Jugend und Sport/digitaler Wandel“ ein. VertreterInnen werden die Empfehlungen vor dem Plenum der Konferenz zur Zukunft Europas im Europäischen Parlament in Straßburg präsentieren.

Wirtschaft, Beschäftigung, Digitalisierung, Jugend: Bürgerinnen und Bürger geben Empfehlungen in Dublin ab

The Institute of International and European Affairs (IIEA) hosts, as part of the Conference on the Future of Europe, some 200 European citizens from across the continent. They gather in Dublin Castle to partake in a European Citizens' Panel on conomy, social justice, jobs, education, culture, sport and digital transformation .

Conference on the Future of Europe - Panel 1 : Stronger economy, social justice, jobs, education, culture, sport, digital transformation: ambiance shots and statements

The Panel in Dublin Castle concentrates on policies for a stronger economy, social justice and jobs / Education, culture, youth and sport as well as Digital transformation. The recommendations will be debated at the Conference Plenary in early March, alongside recommendations from the Panel on 'EU in the world / migration', and from national panels and events.

Conference on the Future of Europe - Panel 1 : Stronger economy, social justice, jobs, education, culture, sport, digital transformation

During the final European Citizens' Panels in Dublin, Ireland, citizens decided make the family photo with the Ukrainian flag as a sign of European solidarity and out of respect for the victims of the war in Ukraine.

Conference on the Future of Europe - Panel 1 : Stronger economy, social justice, jobs, education, culture, sport, digital transformation - Citizens support to Ukraine: family photo with Ukrainian flag and statement

The final European Citizens' Panels to deliver its recommendations, covering ‘A stronger economy, social justice and jobs / Education, culture, youth and sport / Digital transformation', meet in Dublin, Ireland.

Conference on the Future of Europe - Panel 1 : Stronger economy, social justice, jobs, education, culture, sport, digital transformation: arrivals of the citizens and statements

MEPs discuss with European Central Bank (ECB) President, the European Central Bank work and the state of the EU economy. They focus on inflation and economic recovery. Opening statement by Christine LAGARDE, President of the European Central Bank. Opening statement by Christine LAGARDE, President of the European Central Bank and by Paolo GENTILONI, European Commissioner for Economy.

Annual report 2021 of the European Central Bank: opening statements by Christine LAGARDE, President of the European Central Bank and by Paolo GENTILONI, European Commissioner for Economy

The plenary session starts with a celebration of the 20th anniversary of the Euro. Statement by Paolo GENTILONI, European Commissioner for Economy.

20th anniversary of the Euro: Statement by Paolo GENTILONI, European Commissioner for Economy

MEPs discuss whether national recovery plans meet the agreed targets as well as the situation in countries that have not yet had their plans approved. Closing statements by Anže LOGAR, Slovenian Minister of Foreign Affairs and by Valdis DOMBROVSKIS, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission in charge of an Economy that works for People, and Commissioner for Trade and Paolo GENTILONI, European Commissioner for Economy.

State of play of the RRF (Recovery and Resilience Facility): closing statements by Anže LOGAR, Slovenian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Valdis DOMBROVSKIS, Executive VP of the EU Commission and by and Paolo GENTILONI, European Commissionner for economy

MEPs discuss whether national recovery plans meet the agreed targets as well as the situation in countries that have not yet had their plans approved. Opening statements by Anže LOGAR, Slovenian Minister of Foreign Affairs and by Valdis DOMBROVSKIS, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission in charge of an Economy that works for People, and Commissioner for Trade and Paolo GENTILONI, European Commissioner for Economy.

State of play of the RRF (Recovery and Resilience Facility): opening statements by Anže LOGAR, Slovenian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Valdis DOMBROVSKIS, Executive VP of the EU Commission and by and Paolo GENTILONI, European Commissionner for economy

The Conference on the Future of Europe has brought citizens from all across the EU together with one goal: debating ideas for the EU of tomorrow. Three of them who are part of the Citizens' Panel on the economy, social justice, youth and the digital transformation express their expectations from the debates.

Conference on the Future of Europe - European citizens debating economy, social justice and digitalisation

Die Konferenz zur Zukunft Europas hat Bürgerinnen und Bürger aus der ganzen EU zusammengebracht, um über Ideen für die EU von morgen zu diskutieren. Ania, Joshua und Paloma vom Bürgerforum Wirtschaft, soziale Gerechtigkeit, Jugend und digitaler Wandel stellen sich vor.

Ania, Joshua und Paloma: Eine Diskussion über Wirtschaft, soziale Gerechtigkeit und Digitalisierung

During the plenary session of the European Parliament in Strasbourg (4-7 October 2021), MEPs debate on the state of play of the Recovery and Resilience Facility plans (RRF) of member states awaiting for approval. Opening statements by Paolo GENTILONI, Commissioner for Economy. This transcription speech is the result of an automatic process. Check against delivery.

The state of play on the submitted RRF recovery plans awaiting approval: opening statement by Paolo GENTILONI, European Commissioner for Economy

During the plenary session of the European Parliament in Strasbourg (4-7 October 2021), MEPs debate on the European solutions to the rise of energy prices for businesses and consumers, especially the role of energy efficiency and renewable energy and the need to tackle energy poverty. Closing statements by Kadri SIMSON, European Commissioner for Energy and Anže LOGAR, Slovenian Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Pandora Papers - implications on the efforts to combat money laundering, tax evasion and avoidance: closing statements by Paolo GENTILONI, European Commissioner for Economy and by Anže LOGAR, Slovenian Minister of Foreign Affairs

During the plenary session of the European Parliament in Strasbourg (4-7 October 2021), MEPs debate on the implications of the efforts to combat money laundering, tax evasion and avoidance (after the publication of the so-called journalistic investigation 'Panama Papers'). Opening statements by Anže LOGAR, Slovenian Minister of Foreign Affairs and by Paolo GENTILONI, European Commissioner for Economy. This transcription speech is the result of an automatic process. Check against delivery.

Pandora Papers - implications on the efforts to combat money laundering, tax evasion and avoidance: opening statements by Anže LOGAR, Slovenian Minister of Foreign Affairs and by Paolo GENTILONI, European Commissioner for Economy

During the plenary session of the European Parliament in Strasbourg (4-7 October 2021), MEPs debate on the state of play of the Recovery and Resilience Facility plans (RRF) of member states awaiting for approval. Closing statements by Paolo GENTILONI, Commissioner for Economy.

The state of play on the submitted RRF recovery plans awaiting approval: closing statement by Paolo GENTILONI, European Commissioner for Economy

Das erste europäische Bürgerforum fand in Straßburg statt! Drei Tage lang versuchten sich 200 europäische Bürgerinnen und Bürger in partizipativer Demokratie. Sie diskutierten über die Wirtschaft und wie sie gerechter und krisensicherer gestaltet werden könnte, aber auch über Themen wie digitale Transformation und Jugendarbeitslosigkeit.

Konferenz zur Zukunft Europas: Menschen in Europa diskutieren über eine gerechtere Wirtschaft

During the plenary session (13-16 September 2021) in the European Parliament in Strasbourg, Ursula VON DER LEYEN delivers the State of the European Union (SOTEU 2021) to the MEPs. Part 2 of the opening statement by Ursula VON DER LEYEN, President of the European Commission, on the following topics: - Success of the European vaccination campaign and the delivery of vaccines to Africa (200 million doses to the continent) - Economy: support to over 31 million workers and 2.5 million companies across Europe; investments in digital skills and infrastructures. Investments in the chips production. - Social and Equity: New European Health Strategy; Fight against tax fraud and tax evasion. - Youth: Next Generation EU shoul be funded by new own resources; Proposal to make 2022 the year of European youth. This transcription speech is the result of an automatic process. Check against delivery.

Part 2/5 - State of the European Union 2021 debate: opening statement by Ursula von der LEYEN, President of the European Commission, on a Europe united through adversity and recovery - Economy - Social and Equity - Youth

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