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The Circular Cities Declaration (CCD) Report 2024 was launched at the World Circular Economy Forum 2024 in Brussels. The report examines the implementation, measurement, and impact of circular policies in cities that have signed the declaration, committing themselves to the circular transition.
In 2023, signatories of the CCD were asked to report their progress in transitioning to the circular economy. In response, 54 signatories from across Europe—cities with a combined population of 16 million—submitted detailed insights on circular policies and initiatives. Based on these submissions, the implementation and impact of circular economy strategies in urban settings were assessed and summarised.
The CCD Report 2024 underscores a widespread adoption of circular economy strategies among reporting cities, with over 200 measures already in motion. Over half of the CCD signatories have embraced the circular economy as a pivotal instrument in bolstering their nature and biodiversity preservation initiatives. Moreover, cities are increasingly leveraging circular practices to advance climate objectives and build resilience while ensuring a just transition.
The report identifies a challenge in accurately measuring and reporting on the progress of circular initiatives. Despite this, over two-thirds of cities have either developed or are in the process of formulating indicator frameworks to better assess circular impacts. These frameworks include governance, behavioural, material flow, and broader societal and environmental indicators.
Drawing from the findings of the report, six priority actions have emerged to accelerate the circular transition in cities:
Read the full report here.
About the Circular Cities Declaration
The European Circular Cities Declaration is a project funded by the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme. The declaration aims to accelerate the transition from a linear to a circular economy in Europe, and thereby create a resource-efficient, low-carbon and socially responsible society. It was developed by a consortium of European stakeholders, including ICLEI Europe, Circle Economy, Circular Flanders, Collaborating Centre on Sustainable Consumption and Production, ECERA, EIT Circular Economy Community, European Committee of the Regions, European Economic and Social Committee, European Investment Bank, Ellen MacArthur Foundation, Eurocities, Metabolic, Metabolism of Cities, ReLondon, RRA Podravje - Maribor, and the UN Environment Programme.
