The European Parliament aims for a carbon-neutral, environmentally sustainable, toxic-free, and fully circular economy by 2050. In February 2021, it adopted a resolution that demands additional measures, such as tighter recycling rules and binding targets for materials use and consumption by 2030.

Telecom, being a part of the electronics and ICT sector, is poised to play a crucial role in the transition to a circular economy. The industry has been working on various initiatives such as promoting eco-design, using recycled materials, and encouraging refurbishment and repair of devices to minimize e-waste and reduce the environmental footprint.