Unpacking Policy Coherence: A network analysis of the EU policy mix for the circular economy

Policy coherence is essential for an effective green transition. While the EU has repeatedly called for coherent policy mixes, empirical analyses remain limited, and no comprehensive assessment has examined coherence in the EU’s expanding circular economy policy mix. 

This paper fills that gap by evaluating the coherence of EU circular economy policies as experienced by business actors in four key sectors: electronics and ICT, batteries, automotive and critical raw materials. 

By capturing firms’ perspectives, the study provides new evidence on how the EU’s circular economy policy mix functions in practice and where incoherence may impede progress.