The European Union is entering a crucial phase in advancing its circular economy agenda. The upcoming Circular Economy Act (CEA) is anticipated to serve as a cornerstone of this framework, enhancing the Single Market for circular products and services while addressing ongoing fragmentation.

The ECESP Annual Conference will provide a high-level platform to discuss the ambitions, scope, and policy direction of the Circular Economy Act, situating it within the broader EU framework, investment needs, and global developments. While the CEA will be central to the discussions, the program will also address related initiatives, such as the EU Bioeconomy Strategy and the implementation challenges that must be overcome to create a competitive and fair circular Single Market.

Designed to facilitate genuine two-way communication, the conference will bring together policymakers, business leaders, financial experts, civil society representatives, youth leaders, and regional stakeholders to exchange experiences, perspectives, and visions. It aims to support evidence-based decision-making, clarify expectations, identify common challenges, and build a shared understanding of the CEA's role in the EU policy landscape. Participants will have opportunities to co-create circular projects, strategies, and narratives that reflect Europe's diversity.

The event will take place over two days with complementary objectives. 

• Day one will focus on high-level policy debates about the CEA's political ambitions, its contribution to the Single Market, its global implications, mobilising finance for circularity, and the role of youth in promoting intergenerational fairness. 
• Day two will be designated as Stakeholder Day, organised by the ECESP coordination group, featuring sessions on the CEA and the EU Bioeconomy Strategy, as well as five parallel workshops addressing implementation challenges and enabling conditions. These workshops will cover financing mechanisms, societal and social economy aspects, intermediaries and brokers, public procurement, packaging, the role of cities and regions, and critical raw materials, with specific attention to selected value chains.

A systemic perspective will connect these themes as mutually reinforcing components of Europe's circular transition. Practitioners will have the opportunity to showcase solutions in the Networking Village and network throughout the conference - express your interest here.

Detailed information coming soon - check this webpage for regular updates.