Portugal's new circular economy plan reaches 2030 with delays behind it

Portugal's government approved on 9 January the new Circular Economy Action Plan (PAEC 2030), succeeding the previous plan that ended in 2020 after years of delay. Luísa Magalhães, executive director of Smart Waste Portugal, says the plan sets goals across national, sectoral and local levels, targeting industries like electronics, plastics, construction and textiles. She welcomes it as an important strategic step but warns its real impact depends on effective implementation, simplified processes, financing, and market conditions that encourage businesses and citizens to adopt circular practices, since Portugal's recycling rates still fall short of EU targets.