Circular Economy Convergence in the Visegrad Group: Regional Integration and EU Comparative Insights

Cuhlova, Renata; Nesiba, Jiri; Leitnerova, Petra

doi:2026.41.1.17

The Journal of Economic Integration 2026 March;41(1) :17-40.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.11130/jei.2025015

Circular Economy Convergence in the Visegrad Group: Regional Integration and EU Comparative Insights

Renata Cuhlova¹, Jiri Nesiba², Petra Leitnerova²

¹Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
²Mendel University, Brno, Czech Republic

Corresponding Author: Renata Cuhlova ,Email: renata.cuhlova@econ.muni.cz

ABSTRACT

This study examines the progress of the Visegrad Group (Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, and Slovakia) in implementing circular economy principles from 2015 to 2022, aligned with the EU Circular Economy Action Plan. Using Eurostat data and a quantitative methodology, comprising trend, descriptive, and correlation analyses, it evaluates twelve indicators, with emphasis on Material Footprint, Municipal Waste Recycling Rate, and Circular Material Use Rate. Results show partial convergence with the EU average, though significant national disparities persist. Slovakia leads in recycling, Poland excels in material productivity, and the Czech Republic shows steady progress in circular material use, while Hungary lags in waste management. The study underscores the need for targeted investment and policy harmonization within the V4 to support EU sustainability goals. It offers a novel regional perspective, contributing to the literature on circular economy transitions in geopolitically and economically integrated regions.

JEL Classification

O44: Environment and Growth
Q01: Sustainable Development
Q53: Air Pollution; Water Pollution; Noise; Hazardous Waste; Solid Waste; Recycling
R11: Regional Economic Activity: Growth, Development, Environmental Issues, and Changes

Keywords: Visegrad Countries | Circular Economy | Convergence Analysis | Sustainability | Reginal Integration