Implementation of the circular economy principles in the Republic of Moldova

Abstract

Transition towards the circular economy in the European Union is no longer an option, but has become an obligation. By July 2020, all Member States must complete and start implementing their circular economy strategy. The Republic of Moldova is not a member of the EU, but is a member of the EU Eastern Partnership and in accordance with the Joint Action PlanEU-Moldova, which is based on the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement, Republic Moldova needs to reform its policies to build a sustainable economy. So for the Republic of Moldova’s transition from the linear to the circular economy is a current issue. This article describes current problems that should be stringently addressed in our country for the successful implementation of circular principles, as well as barriers that impede the transition towards the circular economy. In order to propose relevant solutions on the implementation of circular economy principles in some sectors of the economy, best circular practices from foreign experience of some selected countries were analysed and recommendations of most relevant examples were proposed for our country.