January 14, 2026
The publication shows how the goal of transforming or defossilizing Europe’s industry can be implemented step by step. The key points were developed on the basis of discussions within the EU think tank of the DGAW, presented and discussed at specialist conferences, and combined in this paper with research results from the nova-Institute.
It shows how legal areas can be better integrated at the EU level, which will lead to new priorities for industry and waste management. This includes classifying all recycling technologies, from mechanical and physical to chemical processes and even incineration with CO₂ capture and utilization, as equivalent, as all processes are needed for the conversion of the various waste fractions and target products. Overall, the ten proposals derived and analyzed in the paper also lead to a significant reduction in administrative burdens.
There are some important proposals that build on instruments already introduced by the EU, such as substitution quotas for selected plastics sectors. The authors also mention proposals that are currently being discussed or put forward by Member States. However, there are also proposals to phase out existing regulations. It is important that the proposals build on each other and are implemented in a coordinated manner as part of a coherent, step-by-step overall package.
Fortunately, greater autonomy is becoming increasingly mainstream in the EU and is also one of the cornerstones of the new EU Council Presidency. However, until this is put into practice, greater autonomy and resilience will remain nothing more than a narrative. And the road to achieving this will be paved with difficulties.
You can download the study via the link below.