Circular Economy Strategy of the EU and Waste Management in Croatia

Kružno gospodarstvo predstavlja model ekonomije koja racionalno raspolaže svojim resursima koje ima na raspolaganju te istovremeno i brine za očuvanje okoliša. Razvoj okolišnih politika te koncept održivog razvoja okosnica su novijih europskih politika i strategija. Strategija kružnog gospodarstva EU objedinjuje mjere i akcijske planove koji za cilj imaju smanjiti količinu otpada, stvoriti nove resurse i smanjiti negativan utjecaj na okoliš. Europska Unija kroz odluke, direktive i uredbe daje smjernice svim članicama kako bi prelazak na kružno gospodarstvo olakšala kako članicama, tako i svakom europskom građaninu. Hrvatska kao najmlađa članica EU prelazak na kružno gospodarstvo prvenstveno provodi kroz Plan gospodarenja otpadom. Kroz analizu provedbe Plana, vidljivo je da Hrvatska ima problem s uspostavom sustava, izgradnjom postrojenja te percepcijom otpada. U Hrvatskoj, postoji velik problem s recikliranjem otpada, odvajanjem otpada , te mnogi još uvijek ne smatraju otpad vrijednim resursom. Potrebno je osvijestiti građanstvo o potrebi prelaska na kružno gospodarstvo kako bi sačuvali prirodna bogatstva i vrijedne resurse za budućnost.A circular economy is an economy that rationally uses its resources while also caring for the environment. Environmental policy development and the concept of sustainable development are the backbones of recent European policies and strategies. The EU's circular economy strategy brings together measures and action plans aimed at reducing waste, creating new resources and reducing the negative impact on the environment. Through decisions, directives, and regulations, the European Union provides guidance to all members to make the transition to a circular economy easier for both members and European citizens. Croatia, as the youngest EU member state, is making the transition to the circular economy primarily through the Waste Management Plan. Through an analysis of the implementation of the Plan, it can be seen that Croatia has a problem with the establishment of the system, the construction of the facilities and the perception of waste. In Croatia, there is a major problem with waste recycling, waste separation, and many still do not consider waste as a valuable resource. Citizens need to be aware of the need to move to a circular economy in order to conserve natural resources and valuable resources for the future