The zero-waste and zero-pollution industry model is also included in China's five-year plan, Vella said. Circular economy is of great importance for Europe, as the continent is poor in goods but rich in human resources, he added.

For the concept to work it needs to be introduced across all industries and the earlier the EU introduces the model, the better, he said.

It can however not be expected that all industries will be able to switch from the linear to the circular economy with matching speeds but it is important that they are all headed in the same direction, he added.

The new model is seen as an opportunity and a challenge by European Commissioner for Transport Violeta Bulc, who also attended the debate. She believes that horizontal cooperation among different industries will be key.

The transport sector will have to work together with the energy sector because sustainable transport will depend on sufficient amounts of electricity, she illustrated.

Bulc added that the Commission's plan offered solutions to limited energy sources; this will however require cooperation, she said, adding that Slovenia should be more active in various EU platforms.

Erika Oblak of the Ecologists without Borders association pointed out that the Commission's plan had been welcomed by NGOs. However, they would like to see more concrete goals in fields such as food and sea waste.