Natural Resources & Waste

EU policies are increasingly focusing on minimising natural resource use and maximising resource efficiency. At the same time, policies and legislation to address waste remain important to ensure excellent management of waste in the EU Member States.

IEEP works extensively on both natural resources and on product and waste policies. Our work consists of analysing existing policies, reviewing legislation and developing new measures.

IEEP’s work on resources includes research on natural resource use, resource efficiency, sustainable consumption and production, product policy and the circular economy. Our work on waste includes reviewing and proposing improvements to existing EU policy and law and Member State measures. The work ranges from large-scale research projects to detailed analysis of specific aspects of the legislation.

Regarding work in this area, please contact Emma Watkins.

Highlights

EU Natural Resources policy: Signposts on the roadmap to sustainability

The EU is committed to building improved resource efficiency into its economic strategy, starting with a “roadmap” this year. A new paper from the Institute sets out the challenges, reviews the mixed results of previous EU policy in this area and suggests a number of ways forward. Both a broad vision and an array of practical policy initiatives are required.

Review of the Waste Thematic Strategy

This report supported the European Commission’s review of the Thematic Strategy on the Prevention and Recycling of Waste. It summarises available data on waste management in the EU, assesses progress towards the EU becoming a ‘recycling society’, outlines the achievements of the Waste Thematic Strategy, and makes recommendations for the development of future EU waste policies.

Improving Enforcement of Waste Shipment Controls

Should there be more explicit obligations for inspections of waste shipments in EU law? The Commission has launched a consultation drawing on IEEP’s work.

IEEP Publication on the External Dimension of the EU Sustainable Development Strategy

Marc Pallemaerts addresses the impact of the EU’s consumption of natural resources on the global environment with case studies of biofuels, the Common Fisheries Policy and the regulation of international trade in illegally harvested timber, in a new publication.

Bio-waste Directive: the Journey so Far

IEEP Analysis Briefing: Sustainable Consumption and Production

IEEP’s Environmentally Harmful Subsidies Study Published

The report is a contribution to the European Commission’s ongoing efforts to investigate and reform environmentally harmful subsidies (EHS).The study is based on three methodologies developed by the ...

Study on Inspection Requirements for Waste Shipments

A report written by IEEP, Bio and Ecologic has examined the challenge of inspection procedures and capacity to implement the EU Waste Shipment Regulation. It notes significant problems in Member States as well as good practice. It concludes with criteria that could be used to form the basis for assessment and enhancement of the capacity of inspectorates.