DEBATING THE FUTURE OF EUROPE - ETRA was here!
1-2 June 2016 - Brussels
2,400 Participants attended the European Business Summit this year, where 150 speakers distributed over 50 Sessions discussed the future of Europe.
ETRA attended the most topical and interesting sessions. One of these was "how to build Europe's Circular Economy" with the featured presentation by the Vice President of the Commission Jyrki Katainen. Among the speakers were Karmenu Vella, Environment Commissioner, who stated clearly that the actual linear model of production in no longer sustainable and we have to move fast towards a circular economy 
model. Then Mr. Katainen recalled five pillars that over the next years will become the policy and the main engagements of the Commission:
- The Framework Directive on Waste shall be revised to increase recycling;
- The need to increase the markets for secondary raw materials;
- The Ecodesign Directive;
- The resource to incentive and finance the circular economy model
- The redesign the public procurement directive.
Eight concrete transformations were presented to demonstrate that circular thinking fits well with business strategies. Some practical examples of circular economy processes were discussed by people and companies during the various opportunities for debate and moments of networking.
Other interesting sessions were on Innovation and Investments, Eco-Friendly Business Models, Sustainable Cities, The Digital Agenda.
More Information at http://www.ebsummit.eu/index