This study applies Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) model to the problem of assessment of results of government support of transition to a circular economy development in 27 EU countries in 2012-2021. The performance of governments is evaluated in terms of creating conditions for the development of cost-effective business models and technologies that can operate without permanent incentives and benefits from the state. This approach differs from the models popular in the current literature, which assess the efficiency of the circular economy primarily in terms of improved environmental performance. Calculations show that the most efficient models of circular economy are created by Belgium, Germany, Ireland, Luxembourg, and Netherlands. © 2024 IEEE.