The Mediterranean is facing rising challenges related to environmental degradation, biodiversity loss, pollution, overpopulation and water scarcity. These issues are exacerbated by heatwaves, droughts and coastal vulnerabilities. This means that there is a critical need for an immediate transition to a green, circular economy in the Euro-Mediterranean region.
This report looks at the state of play there, the challenges to be faced and the role of stakeholders. It is intended to help policymakers align decisions and strategies for sustainable economic development and to provide up-to-date information for funding agencies, businesses, researchers, academics and civil society organisations advocating for green and fair policies in the Mediterranean region.
Circular Week is an international series of events and initiatives dedicated to the circular economy and sustainable development, taking place across Europe. This year, the event will take place on 21-25 October.
Any company, individual, institution, association or other entity which would like to be a co-organiser and partner of Circular Week can host their own event from 21-25 October. Events can take the form of conferences, educational workshops, seminars, webinars and more, in any format and in any location. Do you have an idea for an event? Submit it!
CircularB (Implementation of Circular Economy in the Built Environment) aims to develop a common international framework for a circularity rating tool with Key Performance Indicators.
They have therefore launched an international survey to gather fresh insights into the technological, economic, cultural-societal, and regulatory barriers to circular economy implementation in the construction industry.
CircularInvest provides tailor-made support to improve projects' circularity, develop a business plan (including IP and legal aspects), and make circular economy projects more appealing to investors.
Apply now to get free project development assistance to increase your project’s investment readiness!
The SYMBA project (Securing Local Supply Chains via the Development of New Methods to Assess the Circularity and Symbiosis of the Bio-based Industrial Ecosystem) will help deliver bio-based solutions with reduced environmental impacts on soil, water and air quality.
The project aims to achieve this by creating an innovative method of industrial symbiosis which can be replicated across the EU, geared to the local/regional bio-based industrial ecosystem. This method will be used to help design zero-waste value chains.
Increasingly, plastic components are being used in vehicles rather than metal ones, as plastic is lighter. The automotive industry is gradually stepping up the percentage of recycled plastic to reduce its environmental impact.
AIMPLAS, the Plastics Technology Centre, is a non-profit research association active in the plastics industry. It has launched the SURFTOP Project to develop the use of recycled plastic in vehicle parts.
The Coordination Group (CG) is a key component of the European Circular Economy Stakeholder Platform. Its members come from a broad spectrum of organisations and are responsible for enabling and implementing the Platform’s vision and activities. The mandate of the current CG will end in October 2025.
With a view to the future CG, the European Commission has published a call for proposals under the LIFE Programme for the Environment and Climate Action. The call will fund a project intended to strengthen the CG’s role in advancing the transition to a circular economy, including circular business models.
The European Commission's Directorate-General for Environment will hold an information session for potential applicants on Monday 8 July at 10:00 – 12:00 CEST.