Circular Economy Convergence in the Visegrad Group: Regional Integration and EU Comparative Insights

Cuhlova Renata, Nesiba Jiri and Leitnerova Petra
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Cuhlova Renata: Masaryk University
Nesiba Jiri: Mendel University
Leitnerova Petra: Mendel University

Journal of Economic Integration, 2026, vol. 41, issue 1, 17-40

Abstract: This study examines the progress of the Visegrad Group (Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, and Slovakia) in implementing circular economy principles from 2015 to 2022, aligned with the EU Circular Economy Action Plan. Using Eurostat data and a quantitative methodology, comprising trend, descriptive, and correlation analyses, it evaluates twelve indicators, with emphasis on Material Footprint, Municipal Waste Recycling Rate, and Circular Material Use Rate. Results show partial convergence with the EU average, though significant national disparities persist. Slovakia leads in recycling, Poland excels in material productivity, and the Czech Republic shows steady progress in circular material use, while Hungary lags in waste management. The study underscores the need for targeted investment and policy harmonization within the V4 to support EU sustainability goals. It offers a novel regional perspective, contributing to the literature on circular economy transitions in geopolitically and economically integrated regions.

Keywords: Visegrad Countries; Circular Economy; Convergence Analysis; Sustainability; Reginal Integration (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O44 Q01 Q53 R11 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:ris:integr:022347

DOI: 10.11130/jei.2025015

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