On 2 December, the European Commission published its long awaited, revamped circular economy strategy. The Commission’s plan is to transform Europe into an economy that is at the same time competitive and resource efficient. This general objective is easy to agree with -- but how does the Commission’s plan look like under the surface? What are the concrete prospects of maintaining resources in use for as long as possible, considering the persistence of unsustainable consumption patterns and the global nature of material flows? What exactly will ensure the creation of truly disruptive business models? Who is to set priorities in terms of product designs and on what basis?This IES Policy Forum on circular economy engages top experts from policy, environmental and industry sides with the knowledge to move the debate beyond the high level policy slogans. The panel will offer a closer look at selected issues that are decisive in turning the circular economy strategy into workable reality. This is vital to boost EU’s circular economy on the global scale, considering that countries like China have had laws in place to move to regenerative cycles for ten years already.Speakers:Hugo Schally, Head of Unit (Eco-innovation and circular economy), European Commission, DG ENVStephane Arditi, Products & Waste Policy Manager, European Environmental Bureau EEBSalla Ahonen, Senior Advisor (Confederation of Finnish Industries, formerly Nokia Corporation)