Implementation of EU policy on circular economy and social inclusion in Poland – opportunities for synergies

Abstract

Background: The circular economy (CE) is a concept that is increasingly influencing European Union (EU) policy. Environmental goals are being increasingly financed by European funds. This approach culminates in the new Community Strategy – the European Green Deal. At the same time, EU funds have also been earmarked for social objectives for decades, a fundamental element of cohesion policy. Both CE and social policy measures are implemented with structural funds, through appropriate provisions in national and regional programs. Despite the fact that many activities from both areas are part of sustainable development, Polish strategic programs do not provide for joint activities that affect both environmental and social issues. The article analysed Polish national programs in terms of pro-environmental and social measures. The choice of the research topic is related to the fact that increasingly in the literature there are calls for the inclusion of social issues in the CE theme. Research objectives: The aim of the research is to characterize national programs in Poland dedicated to CE and social welfare in the 2014–2020 perspective (Operational Program Infrastructure and Environment, Operational Program Intelligent Development, Operational Program Knowledge Education Development, Eastern Poland Operational Program, Regional Operational Program for Małopolskie Voivodeship), to identify challenges in narrowing the use of a narrowed understanding of pro-environmental measures, and to propose an approach that takes into account the synergies of the two areas in the context of the 2021–2027 perspective. Research design and methods: The article uses an analysis of EU documents (regulations and directives; structural and investment programs), Polish national and regional programs. A compilation of priority axes from key programs related to CE and social policy in Poland was made, and then a combination of selected areas was proposed. Results: As the analysis shows, the solutions used in the EU and in Poland in the 2014–2020 perspective do not take into account the social context of the circular economy. The plans for the new financial perspective 2021–2027, as well as the long-term strategy of the European Green Deal, do not exclude joint actions, so it is largely up to the member states to focus separately on selected aspects of CE and social inclusion, or to combine actions in both areas. Planning joint activities in at least part of the programs could contribute to the overarching community goal of sustainable development. Conclusions: An interdisciplinary approach to the topic of CE, especially the social aspects, could make EU policy more comprehensive and effective in relation to the identified challenges. The EU, which is one of the leaders of pro-environmental changes in the world, should include a broader approach to both CE issues and social policy.