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?

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 Wopke Hoekstra , Commissioner for Climate, Net Zero and Clean Growth, on the financing for climate and environment under the proposed Multiannual Financial Framework 2028-2034

ENVI - Presentation by Jessika Roswall, Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy of the Commission proposal on the Amending Regulation (EU) 2023/1115 as regards certain obligations of operators and traders

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

Roberta METSOLA, EP President meets with Jessika ROSWALL, Commissioner for 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

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

Opening statements by Opening statement by Valdis DOMBROVSKIS, European Commissioner for Economy, Productivity before the debate on stepping up funding for Ukraine’s reconstruction and defence.A “reparations loan” to fund Ukraine’s reconstruction and defence is the subject of a debate with Commission and Council representatives. The EU is working on an ambitious initiative to unlock €185 billion in frozen Russian Central Bank assets. Announced by Commission President Ursula von der Leyen last month during her State of the Union speech as a “reparations loan”, the assets themselves would not be touched and Ukraine would only reimburse the loan once Russia pays the reparations. EU leaders will be discussing this plan at their summit on 23-24 October. This transcription if the result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Stepping up funding for Ukraine’s reconstruction and defence: the use of Russian frozen assets: opening statement by Valdis DOMBROVSKIS, European Commissioner for Economy, Productivity

MEPs assess the latest developments in the Middle East, in particular in Iran, and what the EU can do to help restore peace. Parliament reviews the latest events in the region, including the US airstrikes against Iranian nuclear facilities at the end of June 2025, and Israel’s earlier attacks on Iranian targets, which led to Iran launching missiles at Israeli cities. In a plenary debate on 16 June, the EU High Representative, Kaja Kallas, said that Iran, as the main source of regional instability, must never be allowed to acquire a nuclear weapon. She also defended diplomacy as the best way to address Iran's nuclear programme in the long run. Closing statements by Jessika ROSWALL, European Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy, and by Marie BJERRE, Danish Minister for European Affairs

Situation in the Middle East: closing statements by Jessika ROSWALL, European Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy, and by Marie BJERRE, Danish Minister for European Affairs

This infoclip shows illustrative footage on the European economy and the multiannual financial framework (MFF) such as competitiveness, tariffs, jobs and artificial intelligence. The MFF is the long-term budget of the EU and is established for a period of seven years and lays down the maximum spending ceilings for different policy areas. Parliament’s vision for the EU’s 2028-2034 budget is set out in a resolution adopted by MEPs on 7 May 2025. MEPs call for a significantly more ambitious budget. With the US retreating from its global role, spending will have to address Russia’s war of aggression on Ukraine, a highly challenging economic and social backdrop, a competitiveness gap and the worsening climate and biodiversity crisis. The European economy is expected to be a key topic in the State of the Union address which is delivered by the President of the European Commission to the European Parliament in September each year.

Infoclip: European economy and long-term budget

MEPs discuss with the Council and the Commission how the EU can contribute to achieving a just, sustainable and comprehensive peace deal for Ukraine. The debate focus on the EU’s political, financial and military support for Ukraine, and its role in efforts to secure a peace settlement that preserves Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and is based on international law. MEPs underline the importance of long-term commitment to Ukraine and the need for international coordination in building a lasting peace.

EU support for a just, sustainable and comprehensive peace in Ukraine: closing statements by Valdis DOMBROVSKIS, European Commissioner for Economy and Productivity, and by Adam SZŁAPKA, Polish Minister for European Affairs

MEPs suggest urgent measures to alleviate the impact of droughts, such as higher wastewater reuse, increased water savings in the buildings and industrial sectors and enhanced water efficiency in agriculture. Investments in water storage techniques are also critical to sustaining water supplies during dry periods. Closing statements

The European Water Resilience Strategy: closing statements by Thomas BAJADA (S&D, MT), rapporteur, and Jessika ROSWALL, European Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy

MEPs suggest urgent measures to alleviate the impact of droughts, such as higher wastewater reuse, increased water savings in the buildings and industrial sectors and enhanced water efficiency in agriculture. Investments in water storage techniques are also critical to sustaining water supplies during dry periods. Opening statements by Thomas BAJADA (S&D, MT), rapporteur, and Jessika ROSWALL, European Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

The European Water Resilience Strategy: opening statements by Thomas BAJADA (S&D, MT), rapporteur, and Jessika ROSWALL, European Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy

MEPs review the results of the summit where world leaders discussed the incoming US administration, Israel’s war on Gaza and the war in Ukraine, among other topics. Leaders from the world’s twenty largest economies (G20) gathered in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on 18/19 November to discuss the world’s most pressing challenges. The focus of the summit was social inclusion, global governance reform, energy transitions and climate action as well as the international economic and political situation. Together, the G20 accounts for around 85% of world GDP. It consists of 19 countries and two regional bodies, the EU included. Closing statement by Margaritis SCHINAS, Vice-President of the European Commission in charge of promoting our European Way of Life

Outcome of the G20 Leaders' Summit: Closing statement by Margaritis SCHINAS, Vice-President of the European Commission in charge of promoting our European Way of Life

Valdis DOMBROVSKIS, Commissioner-designate, Economy and Productivity, Implementation and Simplification, of the VON DER LEYEN Commission, speaks to the press after he was heard by the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs (ECON) and Committee on Legal Affairs (JURI) of the European Parliament. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

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

Valdis DOMBROVSKIS, Commissioner-designate, Economy and Productivity, Implementation and Simplification, of the VON DER LEYEN Commission is heard by the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs (ECON) and Committee on Legal Affairs (JURI) of the European Parliament. Committee on Budgets (BUDG), Committee on Constitutional Affairs (AFCO), Committee on Employment and Social Affairs (EMPL), Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection (IMCO), and Subcommittee on Tax Matters (FISC) participate as joint committees. At the end of the confirmation hearing, Valdis DOMBROVSKIS makes a closing statement followed by the one from the Committee Chair. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Confirmation hearing of Valdis DOMBROVSKIS, Commissioner-designate, Economy and Productivity, Implementation and Simplification: closing statement by Commissioner-designate, Aurore LALUCQ (S&D, FR), ECON Chair, Ilhan KYUCHYUK (Renew, BG), JURI Chair

Valdis DOMBROVSKIS, Commissioner-designate, Economy and Productivity, Implementation and Simplification, of the VON DER LEYEN Commission is heard by the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs (ECON) and Committee on Legal Affairs (JURI) of the European Parliament. Committee on Budgets (BUDG), Committee on Constitutional Affairs (AFCO), Committee on Employment and Social Affairs (EMPL), Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection (IMCO), and Subcommittee on Tax Matters (FISC) participate as joint committees. During the confirmation hearing, Valdis DOMBROVSKIS answers questions by committee members.

Confirmation hearing of Valdis DOMBROVSKIS, Commissioner-designate, Economy and Productivity, Implementation and Simplification: questions / answers (part 5)

Confirmation hearing of Valdis DOMBROVSKIS, Commissioner-designate, Economy and Productivity, Implementation and Simplification: questions / answers (part 4)

Confirmation hearing of Valdis DOMBROVSKIS, Commissioner-designate, Economy and Productivity, Implementation and Simplification: questions / answers (part 3)

Confirmation hearing of Valdis DOMBROVSKIS, Commissioner-designate, Economy and Productivity, Implementation and Simplification: questions / answers (part 2)

Confirmation hearing of Valdis DOMBROVSKIS, Commissioner-designate, Economy and Productivity, Implementation and Simplification: questions / answers

Valdis DOMBROVSKIS, Commissioner-designate, Economy and Productivity, Implementation and Simplification, of the VON DER LEYEN Commission is heard by the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs (ECON) and Committee on Legal Affairs (JURI) of the European Parliament. Committee on Budgets (BUDG), Committee on Constitutional Affairs (AFCO), Committee on Employment and Social Affairs (EMPL), Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection (IMCO), and Subcommittee on Tax Matters (FISC) participate as joint committees. During the confirmation hearing, Valdis DOMBROVSKIS gives an opening speech and then answers questions by committee members.

Confirmation hearing of Valdis DOMBROVSKIS, Commissioner-designate, Economy and Productivity, Implementation and Simplification: opening statement by the Commissioner-designate

Valdis DOMBROVSKIS, Commissioner-designate, Economy and Productivity, Implementation and Simplification, of the VON DER LEYEN Commission is heard by the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs (ECON) and Committee on Legal Affairs (JURI) of the European Parliament. Committee on Budgets (BUDG), Committee on Constitutional Affairs (AFCO), Committee on Employment and Social Affairs (EMPL), Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection (IMCO), and Subcommittee on Tax Matters (FISC) participate as joint committees. Ambiance of the arrivals and opening statements by Aurore LALUCQ (S&D, FR), Chair of the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs (ECON) and Ilhan KYUCHYUK (Renew, BG), Chair of Committee on Legal Affairs (JURI). This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery. .

Confirmation hearing of Valdis DOMBROVSKIS, Commissioner-designate, Economy and Productivity, Implementation and Simplification: arrivals and opening statements by Aurore LALUCQ (S&D, FR), ECON Chair and Ilhan KYUCHYUK (Renew, BG), JURI Chair

Ambience shots of the Confirmation hearing of Valdis DOMBROVSKIS, Commissioner-designate, Economy and Productivity, Implementation and Simplification.

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

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. This stockshot illustrates the relations between Valdis Dombrovskis and the EU institutions from 2023 to 2024 and contains new footage in his office in Berlaymont, filmed on 29/10/2024.

Memoclip: Valdis Dombrovskis, European Commissioner-designate for Economy and Productivity, and European Commissioner-designate for Implementation and Simplification

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