Garg, RitamÜlker, BarışAshley, GalenBerlin International University of Applied Sciences2019-11-132025-11-282025-11-282019https://repository.berlin-international.de/handle/123456789/531"The topic of circular economy (CE) is undoubtedly gaining traction within the European Union, with sustainability oriented NGOs, pioneers, entrepreneurs, organisations and advocacy groups engaging with EU institutions and policy makers in an attempt to forward the cause. The subsequent paper first provides a general overview of the circular economy and the principles behind it, followed by the beginnings of sustainability related legislation in Europe and recent developments. The research is focused on a selection of fourteen European Union Member States. The countries are divided in to three groups in order to provide a representative sample of top, middle and worst performers in terms of circular economy performance. Each individual country is examined in three aspects, namely: available topical research, circular economy indicators and EU Parliament voting behavior regarding circular economy related legislative proposals. Finally, the main findings are presented and discussed, giving an answer as to whether the hypothesis stands true, while additionally providing an indication as to what the main factors behind resistance to the circular economy are."Abstract -- RESEARCH CONTEXT : Research gap ; Research aim ; Research question ; Hypothesis -- LITERATURE REVIEW : Circular economy policy background -- Top circular economy performers : France ; Germany ; Italy ; The Netherlands ; Slovenia -- Middle ground : Austria ; Luxembourg ; Portugal ; Spain -- Bottom performers : Bulgaria ; Cyprus ; Greece ; Malta ; Romania -- METHODOLOGY -- RESULTS : Top performers : France ; Slovenia ; Italy ; Germany ; The Netherlands -- Middle ground : Austria ; Luxembourg ; Portugal ; Spain -- Bottom performers : Bulgaria ; Cyprus ; Greece ; Malta ; Romania -- DISCUSSION : Commonalities of top performers ; Commonalities of bottom performers ; Voting behavior -- Conclusion -- References -- APPENDICES : Voting behavior of top performers ; Voting behavior of middle ground ; Voting behavior of bottom performersengInternational economic policyInternational environmental economicsCircular economyThesis