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Knowledge category: Tools and methods

EU CE monitoring framework

Updated on 31.05.2023

The monitoring framework on the circular economy (CE), as set up by the European Commission consists of ten indicators, some of which are broken down into sub-indicators. These indicators were selected to capture the main elements of CE. The list is constructed to be short and focused. It uses available data while also earmarking areas where new indicators are in the process of being developed, particularly for green public procurement and food waste.

Author: European Commission
Year of update: 2023

More information

The user can use this tool by clicking on the database link. This brings the user to the next page and one of the thematic areas can be selected. After selecting a thematic area, a list of indicators appears. The user can look at a single indicator's data browsers or explanatory texts. The data browser shows the statistics of that indicator. The explanatory text will help the user gain broader understanding about: relevance; statistical indicators; frequency and timeliness of dissemination; coverage and comparability; and accessibility and clarity.

Relevance for Circular Systemic Solutions

The monitoring framework provides four thematic areas into which ten indicators are divided. The four areas are production and consumption, waste management, secondary raw materials, and competitiveness and innovation. When zooming into one thematic area, for example, secondary raw materials, there are two indicators: contribution of recycled materials to raw materials demand; and trade of recyclable raw materials between the EU Member States and the rest of the world. After zooming in on one indicator, it is possible to read about the indicator in detail, and the tool describes the indicator's relevance. Cities and regions can use these indicators for benchmarking and as a source of inspiration for when defining a monitoring framework for their CE actions and solutions, including Circular Systemic Solutions.