Page contents Page contents Description A steady and predictable supply of high-quality secondary raw materials is essential for the economic security, competitiveness and decarbonisation of the EU industry. Steel, aluminium, construction (cement and concrete), plastics and other critical and strategic raw material industries support a wide range of key downstream industries and are enablers for the EU’s strategic autonomy and competitiveness. The increased use of secondary raw materials can help substantially reduce dependencies on foreign sources. It can also contribute to reducing the climate and environmental footprint of these industries which are also facing increasing competition from imports from third countries.A CCT Pilot was announced in December 2025 with the Communication on Accelerating Europe’s transition to a circular economy: boosting circularity through the launch of trans-regional circularity hubs. The goal of the CCT action is to increase the supply of high-quality secondary raw materials within the EU and their uptake, thereby supporting the entire recycling value chain. © AdobeStock / Vladyslav The pilot will draw on existing industry and inter-regional partnerships, mobilise public and private funding and build on existing EU and national legislation. It is also designed to complement the forthcoming Circular Economy Act. It will be instrumental in driving infrastructure investment, with the potential to increase EU recycling yields by up to 15% by 2030.The scoping of concrete measures, with the engagement of Member States and industry, is underway. It is envisaged to work towards a political document outlining clear delivery targets for agreed investments, stakeholder coordination and convening, and Member States’ initiatives that can help implement circularity objectives faster and better. Keys facts and figures Up to 15 % Increase of recycling yields in the EU by 203010 - 15 % Reduction in recycling unit costs driven by increased scale Innovation Improve efficiency and competitiveness of EU recyclatesStrategic autonomy Contribution to security of supply for strategic materials (CRMs, metals, plastics) Estimated preliminary timeline 23 December 2025Pilot announcementQ3/Q4 2026Scoping dialogue with industry and Member States Related links Delivering on the EU’s CompetitivenessThe Competitiveness Coordination Tool aims to develop cross-border investment projects with an EU added value.
A steady and predictable supply of high-quality secondary raw materials is essential for the economic security, competitiveness and decarbonisation of the EU industry. Steel, aluminium, construction (cement and concrete), plastics and other critical and strategic raw material industries support a wide range of key downstream industries and are enablers for the EU’s strategic autonomy and competitiveness. The increased use of secondary raw materials can help substantially reduce dependencies on foreign sources. It can also contribute to reducing the climate and environmental footprint of these industries which are also facing increasing competition from imports from third countries.A CCT Pilot was announced in December 2025 with the Communication on Accelerating Europe’s transition to a circular economy: boosting circularity through the launch of trans-regional circularity hubs. The goal of the CCT action is to increase the supply of high-quality secondary raw materials within the EU and their uptake, thereby supporting the entire recycling value chain. © AdobeStock / Vladyslav
Delivering on the EU’s CompetitivenessThe Competitiveness Coordination Tool aims to develop cross-border investment projects with an EU added value.
