Friesland, a province in the north of the Netherlands, has a strong cultural identity, its own language, an economy mostly devoted to agriculture and 20 000 companies - 99% of them SMEs. The province faces economic and demographic challenges but is becoming one of the best examples of a successful transition towards a circular economy. It aims to be the most circular EU region by 2025.

According to the public/private association Circulair Friesland, this province is thus:

• Doing: policies on the circular economy, financing circular SMEs and research, ambitiously developing public procurement
• Learning: active member of the Association of Cities and Regions for sustainable Resource management and involved in European projects
• Telling: sharing their story with others.