Europe must move closer to Flemish recycling standards

9 July 2015
Europe must move closer to Flemish recycling standards

Together with shadow rapporteur Mark Demesmaeker, the N-VA drew up the blueprints for the transition to a recycling economy, produced by the European Parliament.

“Of course such a transition is beneficial to the environment, but it is mainly an economic necessity,” emphasises Demesmaeker. “Many businesses here in Flanders already understood that quite well.”

Smart measures
Firstly, Europe needs smart measures that stimulate new and innovative business models, abolish obstacles and provide long-term legal certainty. Secondly, instruments for measuring and decreasing the use of raw materials in an effective manner are also needed. Thirdly, Europe must link a well-thought-out product design and policy to smart waste management.

Demesmaeker wants the EU to combine ambition with reality: “Europe must move closer to our Flemish recycling standards. We recycle 65 percent of our household waste and are therefore the champion in Europe. Many successful businesses in Belgium are now proving that recycling can also mean economic profit.”

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