The Future of Earth and Biodiversity Week
Shifting gears: Adapting circular policies for a changing world
European Union
Not so long ago, enthusiasm for sustainable regulations, mainly in the form of obligations and disincentives, was on a seemingly unstoppable upward trajectory. However, recently, the acceptance of regulatory measures on the circular transition has waned considerably on both sides of the Atlantic and beyond. The resurgence of inflation, energy security problems, profitability concerns and other issues have made ambitious policies such as the US Inflation Reduction Act and the European Green Deal unwelcome. This particularly concerns demonstrations against the environmental requirements for EU farmers, rising energy costs due to carbon trading schemes and a slowdown in mobility electrification. Politicians around the world are under pressure from lobbyists and their constituents, and they are seeking to ease environmental constraints.
Recorded video available
Discussion
- Circular economy
| Transmission of simultaneous interpretation | To be determined |
|---|---|
| Language of interpretation | To be determined |
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Track Programme
- Time and
Date of
the event -
-
2025.09.24[Wed]
10:30 ～ 12:00
(Venue Open 10:15)
-
- Venue
- Pavilion
- Poland Pavilion
Programme details
*Subtitles: Choose “Subtitles/CC” in the “Settings” (gear icon) at the bottom right of the YouTube video.
*Subtitles may not show with multiple languages or overlapping audio.
Part 1: Persuasion instead of obligations - avoiding social backlash through sensible legislation
Part 2: Regulators and unsustainable behaviour - the role of taxation and subsidies
Reports
【Reflection】
The session examined how to adapt circular policies under shifting political and market conditions, spotlighting current pressures: farmer protests against environmental requirements, energy-cost increases linked to carbon trading, and a slowdown in mobility electrification.
Key findings
Balance acceptance with consistency.
Policy roll-outs should combine phased timelines, safeguards and visible support to maintain public buy-in while avoiding backtracking on long-term targets.
Pair price signals with transition support.
Carbon pricing helps steer investment, but short-term shocks (e.g., higher energy bills) require targeted relief and investment incentives for vulnerable households and SMEs.
Coordinate across sectors and borders.
Agriculture, energy and mobility are interdependent; effective delivery needs coherent policy mixes and international interoperability (trade, standards, data) to update—not dilute—circular ambitions.
Conclusion
The discussion aligned participants on an adaptive approach that preserves ambition by coupling support for acceptance, policy consistency and cross-border coordination.
【Post EXPO Initiatives】
Implementation focus
Translate insights into an adaptive delivery plan.
Priority actions
Redesign transition packages: map cost–benefit by sector (agriculture, energy-intensive industries, mobility) and combine phasing, fiscal support and reskilling.
Improve acceptance of price signals: disclose use-of-proceeds and recycling of revenues to households/SMEs for carbon pricing and producer-responsibility fees.
Align the policy mix: harmonise KPIs and review cycles across energy efficiency, renewables, resource circularity and mobility to detect unintended effects early.
Operationalise international cooperation: set up EU–Japan working streams on standards and data interoperability, starting with agri, automotive and materials.
Institutionalise stakeholder dialogue: maintain regular multi-stakeholder roundtables to surface impacts and options.
Conclusion
By combining supportive transitions, consistent policy signals and cross-sector, cross-border coordination, circular policies can adapt without losing ambition.
Cast
Moderator
Hubert Bukowski
Research Director, INNOWO
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Agnieszka Sznyk
Board president, INNOWO
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Speakers
Claire Downey
CEO, Rediscovery Centre
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Shunsuke Managi
Distinguished professor, director of Urban Institute, director of Yunus & Shiiki Social Business Research Center, and chief sustainability officer at the Kyushu University, Japan
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Einar Kleppe Holthe
CEO, Natural State
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Matteo Ward
CEO and co-founder of WRÅD
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Anders Ladefoged
EESC member, ECESP
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Koyu Furusawa
Chief Executive of the Japan Centre for Sustainable Environment and Society (JACSES)
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Prof. Bolesław Rok
Department of Entrepreneurship and Business Ethics Professor at the Leon Kozminski University
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The Future of Earth and Biodiversity Week
Shifting gears: Adapting circular policies for a changing world
Not so long ago, enthusiasm for sustainable regulations, mainly in the form of obligations and disincentives, was on a seemingly unstoppable upward trajectory. However, recently, the acceptance of regulatory measures on the circular transition has waned considerably on both sides of the Atlantic and beyond. The resurgence of inflation, energy security problems, profitability concerns and other issues have made ambitious policies such as the US Inflation Reduction Act and the European Green Deal unwelcome. This particularly concerns demonstrations against the environmental requirements for EU farmers, rising energy costs due to carbon trading schemes and a slowdown in mobility electrification. Politicians around the world are under pressure from lobbyists and their constituents, and they are seeking to ease environmental constraints.
-
2025.09.24[Wed]
10:30～12:00
(Venue Open 10:15)
- Pavilion
- * Programme times and content are subject to change. Any changes will be announced on this website and via the ticket booking system.
- * The schedule is subject to change depending on the organiser's circumstances.
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The Future of Earth and Biodiversity Week
