19/02/2018 (Agence Europe) – In Brussels, on 20 and 21 February, a conference of stakeholders organised by the European Commission and the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) will focus on speeding up implementation of the EU action plan for the circular economy. Businesses, local authorities and citizens will discuss the latest proposals put forward by the Commission to give the plan of action concrete substance, i.e. the strategy on plastics, and will explore future areas of action (see EUROPE 11941). The conference will be opened by European Commission Vice-President Frans Timmermans, responsible for rural development, and Vice-President Jyrki Katainen. The latter will also hold an exchange of views with members of the European Parliament environment committee on Tuesday 20 February. The EESC, which hosts Wednesday’s conference, will place emphasis on exchanging know-how and best practice. (AN)