The European Commission appears unwavering in its determination to withdraw the circular economy package containing amendments to EU waste legislation and to replace the legislative package with a new proposal. Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, a spokeswoman for the Commission confirmed that the EU authority's plans were unchanged.
On Tuesday, ministers of EU member states had voiced concerns over the Commission's intention to withdraw the package. However, they reserved their criticism for an informal discussion over lunch with Commission Vice-President Frans Timmermans. The carefully worded official position on the Commission's work programme that the Council for General Affairs adopted unanimously yesterday makes no explicit mention of the circular economy package and welcomes the programme as a whole.
In light of this position, the Commission spokeswoman said that the EU body sees its strategic approach and the entire work plan endorsed by the Council. No information was as yet forthcoming as to when the withdrawal of the circular economy package would be formalised.
