On 4 June 2025, Classifieds Marketplaces Europe (CME) hosted its first EU Green Week Partner Event in Brussels. The “CME Breakfast: Meet Marketplaces Making Circular Economy Work”, brought together policymakers, experts, and industry leaders to discuss the role of the European reuse sector in driving circular economy and the key contribution of second-hand marketplaces to making it happen – echoing the theme of this year’s EU Green Week, “Circular Solutions for a Competitive EU”.
As CME, a coalition of leading EU-based companies operating digital classifieds marketplaces enabling second-hand trade across Europe, we believe in advancing sustainability through concrete action – and the discussions sparked during the event reflected exactly this commitment. The message was clear: reuse is growing and is driving a circular economy, but education, smart regulation, innovation, and consumer trust are essential to further excel the EU’s circular shift.
Event highlights
We kicked off the morning with a keynote speech from MEP André Rodrigues (S&D, PT), who set the tone by framing circularity not only as an environmental priority, but also a question of fairness, opportunity, and resilience.
We then heard concrete market insights from Poland, with Kamil Szablowski (OLX) presenting the OLX Recommerce Report. The data revealed that second-hand trade already makes up 7.5% of Poland’s total e-commerce market – a sector valued at €2.2 billion and still growing. Electronics in particular were spotlighted as a key category, offering a viable solution to the fast-rising challenge of e-waste.
The panel that followed featured voices from government, civil society and leading second-hand marketplaces. The discussion opened with the report by the Norwegian Circular Economy Expert Group and its 79 policy recommendations – including VAT reductions, faster transposition of EU rules, and campaigns to make reuse the default.
These reflections fueled a broader conversation between our panelists on what makes second-hand unique, what holds it back, and how to drive lasting circular change.
Here’s what we learned
– Re-commerce is growing – but trust, convenience, and awareness are non-negotiable
The case of Poland and Norway show that consumer demand for affordable, sustainable goods is driving change. But consumer trust, transparency, and accessibility are essential if consumers are to feel empowered and reuse is to keep growing. To truly scale reuse, we need to make it convenient, credible, and visible – supported by strong public education and awareness campaigns that help spotlight second-hand as a smart and sustainable everyday choice, not a niche one, where consumers play a key part.
— Targeted policies are key for re-commerce to thrive
Rather than a lack of regulation, the reuse sector often faces rules that were designed for other models and are now misaligned with its needs.
Examples such as DAC7 and certain national EPR schemes show how unintended barriers can hold back circular practices. The conversation made clear that more red tape won’t help – instead, what’s needed are targeted policies, like reduced VAT on second-hand goods, that could tip the scale in favour of reuse and help deliver on the EU’s sustainability and competitiveness goals.
— For a truly circular economy, collaboration is crucial
A clear takeaway from the event was the importance of working across sectors to build the reuse ecosystem Europe needs. Public authorities, marketplaces, and civil society each bring unique perspectives and tools to the table. Beyond regulation, shared industry commitments and coordinated awareness efforts can all help build trust, reduce friction, and support the shift to circular consumption. The only way to scale reuse is by doing it together.
CME’s call to action
The event reaffirmed that second-hand consumption is a practical and scalable way to lower environmental impact, improve affordability, and build a circular, competitive European economy.
As Classifieds Marketplaces Europe, we already make this shift real by enabling millions of people across the EU to participate in circular practices through everyday actions. But to unlock the full potential of the reuse sector, we need the right mix of enabling policies, public awareness, and consumer trust.
We are proud to be part of this conversation and committed to continuing it – let’s work together to make second-hand the first choice.
Big thanks to our panelists Johan Ness Gerhardsen (Adviser at the Norwegian Ministry of Climate and Environment), Eva Maria Bille (Head of Circular Economy at the European Environmental Bureau), Dagmar Bartels (Head of Public Affairs at OLX and CME Chair), Angelica Viggiano (EU Public Affairs Manager at Vinted), and Joe Malmkvist (Public Policy Manager at Vend).
About Classifieds Marketplaces Europe
Classifieds Marketplaces Europe (CME) is a coalition of leading EU-based companies operating digital classifieds marketplaces in 21 European countries. Members include Adevinta, OLX, Vend, Vinted, CustoJusto, and Wallapop. CME members aim to empower citizens to strengthen the circular economy by providing platforms that make second-hand goods more accessible and encourage sustainable consumption. By collaborating, CME members are working to raise awareness of the positive impact of the online classifieds sector and its role in supporting key EU sustainability goals.Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
