The UK and Dutch governments have signed an agreement to collaborate on circular economy financing.
As part of the agreement, both governments committed to working together to promote a shared understanding of a circular economy finance reference framework.
Intended for voluntary use, the joint statement said the framework would support circular economy financing by establishing common definitions, measurement methods, and indicators for lending, financing, and investing in circular activities in practice.
The joint declaration was signed in London by Circular Economy Minister Mary Creagh and Stientje Van Veldhoven, the Minister of Climate and Green Growth, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate, in the Dutch Government.
Both governments also said they would collaborate internationally to advance knowledge and practice in circular economy finance and to enhance their understanding of how current circular economy activities are financed.
In March 2025, the UK and the Dutch governments held a roundtable hosted by the Lord Mayor of London at Mansion House to set out a path towards closer cooperation on circular economy finance, bringing together government officials and private sector lenders.
One of the key outcomes of the roundtable was the creation of the Circular Economy Finance Group.
As part of the joint statement, both governments said they recognise that transitioning to a circular economy will help ‘deliver sustainable economic growth’.
It continued that the circular economy would ‘advance the UN Sustainable Development Goals and environmental objectives, reduce financial risks, strengthen economic resilience and support long-term prosperity’.
The agreement reads: “It is clear that there is not yet enough finance for and investment in circular business to enable both governments to realise their circular ambitions. The financial sector has a pivotal role to play in supporting the circular transitions of both nations.”
“The UK and the Netherlands therefore recognise the need for enhanced cross-border cooperation between governments, financial institutions, business and knowledge institutions to advance and grow circular economy finance and support wider efforts to finance the transition to a more resilient and sustainable economy.”