Following a request by the Belgian Presidency of the Council of the European Union, the European Committee of the Regions (CoR) is preparing an opinion on What is the role of local and regional authorities in the transition towards a circular economy? The opinion is being drawn up by Loredana Capone, president of Apulia Regional Council (Italy).

This stakeholder consultation is intended to provide Ms Capone with input for the opinion, and stakeholders are asked to consider the following areas in relation to a circular model:

• support for local stakeholders
• development of local strategies
• multilevel dialogue to ensure participation in circular economy initiatives and a fair transition
• circular/green public procurement for local and regional authorities: opportunities and challenges
• better alignment of funding and finance instruments with overarching local action plans.

The final discussion on and approval of the draft opinion is scheduled to take place during the CoR ENVE commission meeting on 11 April. The opinion is expected to be approved at the CoR plenary session on 19-20 June 2024.

The stakeholder consultation will be in English with interpreting from and into Italian. It will take place on 5 March at 10:30-12:30 CET in the CoR building in Brussels. The event will be webstreamed. Please register (deadline: 29 February at noon).

If you wish to submit a written contribution, you can do by email before noon on 29 February.