The EU Circular Economy Resource Centre (EU CERC) is a collaboration platform between the EU and partner countries, which seeks to ensure that the circular economy can advance fast enough and on a large enough scale. It provides resources, expertise and guidance and works in close collaboration with the World Circular Economy Forum (WCEF).

The centre also runs the annual Policy Implementation Award, geared to national, supra- and sub-national or regional public sector organisations in countries eligible for official development assistance support. It's part of the EU CERC's annual Circular Awards.

Specifically, the EU CERC will award an organisation which has a central role in driving the implementation of a circular economy policy initiative at national level since 2020. The annual award aims to reward one policy initiative with proven impacts that has been implemented to advance the circular economy. Innovative policy initiatives which do not yet have proven impact may be recognised by honorary mentions.

A selection panel nominated by the EU CERC will judge the participating initiatives based on a set of criteria. These include how the policy contributes to the circular economy, leverages collaboration and supports development, business and trade, along with the observed and expected impacts and accessible communication.

The winner will be announced at the World Circular Economy Forum 2026 where the winner will receive the award, including tailored EU CERC coaching, visibility and promotion up to a value of EUR 10 000.

Visit their website for the complete list of eligible countries, application form and selection criteria. The deadline for submitting applications is 31 December at 23:59 EET (UTC+2).