REMADE IN EUROPE

Europe still relies heavily on raw material imports and wasteful linear production models that harm our environment, weaken our economic resilience, leave our industries exposed to geopolitical shocks and destroy jobs.

But another model is already emerging across the continent.

From material reuse and repair to innovative recycling technologies, a new generation of industry, entrepreneurs, researchers and civil society actors is demonstrating that circular economy solutions can strengthen Europe’s sovereignty and security while reducing waste, emissions and offer quality jobs.

As Greens/EFA policymakers, we work closely with these pioneers who are showing how circular business models can drive innovation, create local jobs and build a more resilient European economy. Yet for these solutions to scale, they need the right political framework. The upcoming Circular Economy Act is a key opportunity to ensure that Europe moves decisively towards a truly circular economy and redefines the notion of competitiveness around the respect for planetary boundaries and social rights.

Join us at the Circularium on Tuesday, 5 May 2026, a Brussels circular production and social innovation centre, to meet policymakers, entrepreneurs, researchers and civil society leaders who are at the forefront of circular innovation. Beyond discovering their work, this event will also be an opportunity to contribute to the Greens/EFA Group’s reflections on the Circular Economy Act , from priority sectors and regulatory needs to the role circularity can play in strengthening Europe’s industry, sovereignty and security.

PROGRAMME

14:30 - 15:00  Registration, networking and opening of circular economy stands
15:00 - 15:05  Welcome and scene setting by Greens/EFA MEP Sara Matthieu
15:05 - 15:15  Keynote Speech: Objectives of the Circular Economy Policies

• Janez Potočnik, Co-Chair of the International Resource Panel, Partner at Systemiq, Former EU Commissioner for the Environment

15:15 - 16:00 Panel Discussion: Circular Economy as a Geopolitical Tool: How Europe Can Win the Resource Race

• Heather Grabbe, Senior Fellow, Bruegel

• Laia Pinos Mataro, Member of the Cabinet of Executive Vice-President Stéphane Séjourné, European Commission - invited

• Sanna Markkanen, Head of Policy Analysis at the Corporate Leader’s Group and Main Author of No Time to Waste: Driving the EU Resilience and Competitiveness through a Circular Economy

• Moderation: Greens/EFA MEP Rasmus Nordqvist

16:00-16:30  Networking Break
Pitch by - and Exploration of - the circular economy stands*
Demo of Resortecs’ Smart Disassembly™ equipment

16:30-16:40 Keynote Speech: Circular Economy in the Single Market for the Future

• Philippe Pochet, Professor at the College of Europe, Green European Foundation Fellow, Former General Director of the European Trade Union Institute (ETUI)

16:40-17:25  Panel Discussion: From Niche to Norm: Scaling Circular Business Models Across European Industry

• Mariana López Dávila, Head of Circular Economy and Nature, the Environmental Coalition on Standards (ECOS)

• Marie Castelli, Head of Sustainability and Public Affairs, Back Market

• Patrik Frisk, CEO, REJU, and Founding Member of the European Circular Textile Coalition

• Moderation: Greens/EFA MEP Anna Cavazzini

17:25 - 18:30  Last pitch by the circular economy companies, Wrap up by Greens/EFA MEP David Cormand and cocktail along the circular economy stands

*Meet Resortecs, IsoFabric, NOOSA, and more...

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