The circular economy should strengthen Europe’s competitiveness, not increase the burden on businesses

In the plenary debate on the upcoming EU regulation on the circular economy, the Circular Economy Act, MEP Viktória Ferenc stressed that, in addition to achieving environmental goals, Europe’s competitiveness and the room for manoeuvre of the Member States must also be taken into account. The Circular Economy Act aims to help create a single European market for secondary raw materials, increase the supply of high-quality recycled materials and encourage their use. The initiative can also contribute to reducing Europe’s dependence on raw materials and strengthening its economic resilience.

The member of the Fidesz-KDNP delegation to the European Parliament pointed out that it is increasingly difficult for the European economy to bear high costs and increasing regulatory burdens, so the new regulations should serve both better waste management and the competitiveness of European companies.

“Increasing the rate of recycling and reuse not only protects the environment but also contributes to reducing Europe’s dependence on raw materials. To do this, we need to strengthen the market for secondary raw materials, but all this without imposing additional administrative burdens on businesses and without striving to unify national systems at all costs,” emphasized Viktória Ferenc.

According to the MEP, the new EU framework should provide an opportunity for Member States to shape their waste management systems, building on their own experience and capabilities, in line with common European goals. As part of this, national competences should also be respected when setting extended producer responsibility fees.

Viktória Ferenc also drew attention to the importance of fair global competition. “We need a circular economy that protects the environment, strengthens Europe’s security of supply of raw materials and improves the competitiveness of the economy,” he said. This requires reasonable rules and respect for Member States’ sovereignty,” the MEP stressed.

Strasbourg, 21 October 2026