About the Nordic Working Group for Circular Economy
The Working Group for Circular Economy (NCE) of the Nordic Council of Ministers is a provider of current knowledge on circular economy. NCE’s activities inform and direct policy-makers and circular economy players within the Nordics and beyond.
By acquiring new knowledge through reports and activities, NCE works to strengthen Nordic cooperation on circularity in order to support the transition to a sustainable and circular Nordic region.
Reports
NCE is a trusted source of information on the circular economy. Its reports are an independent source of current knowledge on the status and opportunities of circular economy in the Nordic countries and self-governing regions.
Events & activities
NCE’s activities aim to inform and direct policy-makers and circular economy actors within the Nordics and globally to make decisions that create a more sustainable and circular future.
Knowledge-sharing
NCE also provides a cross-Nordic platform for the working group members to share national initiatives, learn from each other and disseminate the information gathered by the working group to their national institutions.
Background
The Nordic Working Group for Circular Economy (NCE) was established in 2019 as the Nordic Council of Ministers reorganised the two previous working groups on waste (NAG) and sustainable consumption and production (HKP). The purpose of NCE is to actively promote the networks among the Nordic authorities, contributing to activities and information exchange which will stimulate the transition to a circular economy in the Nordic countries. In the period from 2019-2024, the group's priority work is directed towards improvements in product design and communication of products’ environmental characteristics in the market. Moreover, waste and recycling are amongst important assignments to provide solutions regarding the implementation of new EU legislations.
The European Union has through their European Green Deal, put Circular economy on the top of their agenda, paving the way for new and ambitious environmental policies. Moving the economy into a more circular direction will require new product policies, strengthening reuse, recycling and waste prevention as well as improving solutions for waste management. It is underscored that:
«The Nordic Council of Ministers will promote a circular and bio-based economy, sustainable and competitive production, sustainable food systems, and resource-efficient and non-toxic cycles in the Nordic Region.»
The Nordic region is seen as a role model with regard to environment and climate and has a long tradition of cooperation between the Nordic countries. Through reports, events and activities, NCE will contribute to promoting the acceleration and development of a circular economy in the Nordic countries.
