The European Commission delivered on 17 September the Annual Sustainable Growth Strategy 2021 - COM(2020) 575 final.

The Communication contains a detailed list of priorities for Member States to develop their Recovery and Resilience Plans and priorities including also the Green transition.

On this topic the European Commission encourages Member States Recovery Plans to "take actions to promote a more circular economy", since "Circular economy creates local, sustainable jobs through waste prevention and reuse, repair, remanufacturing and recycling. It increases the EU’s resilience and open strategic autonomy by developing innovative business models powered by digital technologies to enhance the efficient use of resources and secondary raw materials. Improving environmental infrastructure, in particular for waste and water management and reducing pollution, protects the health and well-being of citizens from environment-related risks and impacts".

The upcoming National Recovery and Resilience Plans will thus offer to SMART WASTE partners and stakeholder groups new opportunities to contribute to the improvement of partner's Regions Policy Instruments.