Over the last 25 years, the RREUSE network has helped build a strong social circular community and shape a fast‑changing policy landscape, connecting the EU’s social and circular agendas.

As key initiatives such as the Circular Economy Act and the Social Economy Action Plan are moving forward, the main challenge is to make sure they create real conditions for the social and circular sector to grow and thrive.

This conference will look at how social and circular practices operate in Croatia and across Europe, and what policy and funding frameworks they need. What can “old” and “new” Member States learn from each other in policy and practice? How do EU‑level policies translate into national laws, and what important gaps remain?

To move from policy to real‑life impact, the conference will review lessons from key product streams, including waste electrical and electronic equipment, textiles, furniture and mattresses.

Social enterprise representatives and policymakers will share their experiences: what measures genuinely support reuse, repair and social enterprises, and what ones still hold them back. The discussion will highlight good practices from across Europe, including from newer Member States in Eastern Europe and the Mediterranean, as well as neighbouring countries.

• 20 October will involve interactive small-group formats, moving from what we’ve built and what works in practice to the barriers ahead and the actions needed to shape the sector’s next chapter.
• On 21 October, participants will travel to Čakovec for a programme of study visits which will enable them to explore social circular economy practices in action, including a visit and workshop at Humana Nova.

The conference will be in English and Croatian. It will take place in person on 20-21 October at the Sheraton Zagreb Hotel in Zagreb.

Register (there's no charge) and see the programme.