Joint statement by government and banks on cooperation towards a circular economy

The State Secretary for Infrastructure and Water Management, Vivianne Heijnen, and Medy van der Laan of the Dutch Banking Association have put their signatures to agreements to further develop a circular economy. This strengthens collaboration between banks and government on accelerating the transition to a circular economy.

For example, banks are asking government to create a level playing field for businesses in the circular economy vis-à-vis the linear economy. Government is asking banks to make circularity an integral part of how financing applications are assessed by 2030.

The agreements also address the need for bank staff to acquire knowledge of circular finance and require both government and banks to play an exemplary role in procurement procedures. The signatory organisations affirm that financing for circular businesses is necessary and requires additional attention.