Publications

The majority of economic systems are currently oriented towards linear growth and generate substantial negative effects on the climate, the environment and ecosystems. In circular systems such as a circular economy,by contrast, the resource extraction and waste generation are significantly reduced, as products and materials are used for as long as possible in an environmentally sustainable way or are recycled. In recent years, the European Union (EU) and Germany have set binding targets to promote circular economy, for example through Germany’s National Circular Economy Strategy or the EU’s Circular Economy Action Plan. The German Institute for Development Evaluation (DEval) evaluated German DC activities supporting circular economy, specifically those by the BMZ and the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Climate Action, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMUKN), between 2023 and 2025. The findings and recommendations of this evaluation are summarized and analyzed in this policy brief. 

• zu Eulenburg, A., C. Römling, L. Kunert, K. Guffler, J. Schnell and L. Welk (2026), First Steps - Promoting a Circular Economy in German Development Cooperation, DEval Policy Brief 4/2026, German Institute for Development Evaluation (DEval), Bonn.