Title The impact of the circular economy on an individual's quality of life: A European Union perspective
Authors Gasparėnienė, Ligita ; Remeikienė, Rita
DOI 10.5937/IMCSM25585G
ISBN 9788663051508
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Is Part of 21st International May Conference on Strategic Management – IMCSM25, May 30, 2025, Bor Lake, Republic of Serbia.. Bor : University of Belgrade, 2025. p. 585-593.. ISBN 9788663051508
Keywords [eng] Circular economy ; European Union ; Governance ; Quality of life ; Well-being
Abstract [eng] This article explores the relationship between circular economy strategies and individual quality of life in the European Union. While the circular economy is widely promoted for its environmental and economic benefits, its social implications – particularly for everyday well-being – remain underexamined. Drawing on legal and policy document analysis, as well as comparative insights from academic and institutional sources, the study identifies how circular measures contribute to or hinder improvements in quality of life. The findings indicate that circular approaches can positively influence environmental health, job creation, and access to services, particularly when implemented through inclusive and coherent governance structures. However, uneven institutional capacity, fragmented policy implementation, and the absence of social indicators in monitoring frameworks limit the equitable distribution of benefits. The research underscores the need to move beyond material efficiency towards a socially embedded circular transition that prioritises participation, equity, and measurable well-being outcomes. It concludes that circular economy strategies must integrate quality of life considerations explicitly within their planning, funding, and evaluation processes to serve as effective tools for human-centred development across the European Union. Without such integration, the circular economy risks remaining a primarily technical or symbolic agenda, rather than a pathway to improved and more just daily life.
Published Bor : University of Belgrade, 2025
Type Conference paper
Language English
Publication date 2025
CC license CC license description