Glass for Europe meets with the Commission to discuss circularity and climate policies

Firstly, with DG Climate Action to discuss the future of the EU’s climate policy framework, and then, with DG Environment to exchange views on the upcoming Circular Economy Act. These fruitful meetings provided insight into the work ahead in the coming months.

Glass for Europe met with DG CLIMA alongside other energy-intensive industries to discuss the future of the EU’s climate policy framework. Given the imminent release of the new 2040 emission reduction target and other relevant industry-specific legislation, such as the revision of the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) and its interaction with CBAM, as well as the next iteration of the Innovation Fund and the new Clean Industrial Deal State Aid Framework, the timing of the meeting was ideal. The Commission is currently working on a review of the ETS’ elements which is due by 2026 and will include an assessment of whether additional policies are needed to reach the climate targets. A public consultation is opened until 8 July.

A couple of days later, the Glass for Europe team met with DG ENV to prepare the future Circular Economy Act. The new Act aims to create a single market for secondary raw materials. The Commission is expected to present its proposal by the end of 2026.

Improved access to cullet remains a top priority for the glass and glazing industry as it represents one of the most actionable ways to reduce the use of raw materials, energy consumption and the related CO₂ emission. Glass for Europe has made preliminary recommendations to support flat glass closed-loop recycling systems. These recommendations will be further developed in the coming months. A public consultation to inform this legislation is set to launch this summer.

Glass for Europe is committed to collaborating with the Commission’s services and is looking forward to seeing strong commitments in the forthcoming legislation.