Assessment of Circular Economy Development in the EU Countries Based on SAW Method

Abstract

The transition to a circular economy is important in achieving sustainability, promoting resource efficiency, and reducing environmental impact. This paper aims to assess the development of a CE in EU countries and highlight the use of environmentally friendly practices for its development. Decision-making methods based on various criteria provide a solid basis for evaluating complex and multidimensional circular economy (CE) initiatives. Simple Additive Weighting (SAW), the widely used MCDM method, facilitates sorting and selection according to the generalised results obtained according to weighted criteria. Due to its simplicity and ease of use, this method is particularly useful for assessing CE development in different countries. The evaluation will be based on a comprehensive overview of the available literature and empirical data, allowing for a comprehensive assessment of the CE’s development initiatives in the European context using the SAW method. The results show that while significant progress has been made in the EU’s transition to a circular economy (CE), disparities among Member States and data limitations hinder a comprehensive assessment. Italy, Germany, France, the Netherlands, and Spain are among the most advanced countries in achieving a circular economy’s objectives. The study proposes a novel MCDM-based framework that effectively evaluates CE performance, identifying key strengths and weaknesses across countries. By focusing on competitiveness and innovation indicators and incorporating environmental factors, the framework offers valuable insights for policymakers and stakeholders.