Circular Economy as an Imperative of Sustainable Development in North Macedonia and Serbia
Azemina Mashovic, Jelena Ignjatović, Jovana Kisin
Abstract
The circular economy is the antithesis of the current linear model of an economy based on uncontrolled exploitation of natural resources and flow of materials (factory -user -landfill). The principle of the linear economy has a take-do-throw base, while the circular economy has a wider take-do-fix-reuse-recycle base. There is a great need for a circular economy in the world, with recycling being considered the leading instrument of this model of economy. Therefore, the aim of our work is to show that the circular economy is imperative for sustainable development in North Macedonia and Serbia. The paper is conceived in three parts. The first part is based on the analysis of the advantages of circular economy in the countries of the European Union. The second part presents the circular economy as a chance for sustainable development of the Republic of North Macedonia, while the third part is based on the circular economy as a required condition for sustainable development of the Republic of Serbia. The methodology used in this paper is based on qualitative research techniques, i.e. analysis, comparative analysis, and synthesis. The authors conclude that it is necessary to urgently establish the circular economy model and create an appropriate legal framework in these countries, following the example of leading European countries.