The European Bureau for Conservation and Development (EBCD) is an NGO founded in 1989 and based in Brussels. EBCD supports science-based solutions, full stakeholder participation, due consideration for the socio-economic aspects and respect for cultural diversity, while specialising in maritime affairs, fisheries, aquaculture and oceans governance. EBCD promotes the conservation and sustainable use of natural resources, both in Europe and worldwide. It provides the secretariats of the MEP Group on Climate Change, Biodiversity and Sustainable Development, the IUCN Fisheries Expert Group and the Market Advisory Council of the Common Fisheries Policy. EBCD has been an active member of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) since it was established, falling under the international environmental NGO category.

Ilias joined EBCD in March 2018, and currently manages the MEP Group on Climate Change, Biodiversity and Sustainable Development, while also serving as Deputy Director at EBCD. Prior to that, he worked in EU Affairs and Communication for a pharmaceutical association in Brussels and as a Communications Executive in Greece. Well-experienced in developing and executing strategic advocacy & outreach, Ilias also holds an MSc in Crisis and Security Management from Leiden University in the Netherlands, and a BA in International & EU Affairs from University of Macedonia, Greece. 

Throughout the years, he has received The Good Lobby 3rd place Award as ‘Political Representative of the Year’ (2019), CV Magazine ‘Best Environmental NGO in Belgium’ Award (2019), The Webby Awards ‘People’s Voice Award for Green Website’ (2017), and the International Public Relations Association Golden World Award for ‘Crisis Management’ (2016).

The EEB is the largest network of environmental citizens’ organisations in Europe. It currently consists of over 190 member organisations in 41 countries, including a growing number of networks, and represents some 30 million individual members and supporters.

At the EEB, Eva Bille leads the Circular Economy team, which is active in cross-cutting policy areas which influence the transition towards a truly circular economy. 

Circular Flanders is the hub and source of inspiration for the Flemish circular economy. It is a partnership of governments, companies, civil society and the knowledge community that take action together. Actions are bundled into six thematic working agendas that are supported by seven levers.

Veerle Labeeuw works as a facilitator for the circular and sustainable transformation, with a focus on bridging policy, innovation and practical implementation. With a strong background in communication, she works on accelerating the transition towards a circular economy through collaboration across sectors and regions. Veerle is particularly experienced in the topics of circular procurement and the circular built environment, and she coordinated the leadership groups on these issues during the previous term of the ECESP.
 

The European Remanufacturing Council is based in Brussels and represents multiple business sectors and trade associations that extend the life of products through remanufacture and refurbishment. A steering group made up of five member organisations advises on the annual work programme as they aim to increase sales of remanufactured products in Europe.

David Fitzsimons became Director of the European Remanufacturing Council in January 2017. He is a member of the World Economic Forum’s Advanced Manufacturing and Supply Chain group. He is also a member of the United Nations Environment Programme on Product Life Extension. He has welcomed the latest version of circular economy metrics for business from the World Business Council for Sustainable Development, which starts to account for the CO₂ savings from remanufacturing and refurbishment processes. He participates in the World Steel Association working group on remanufacturing; the WSA was the first materials organisation to acknowledge the sustainability benefits of using durable materials in products designed for extended life cycles. Wherever possible, David promotes the work done by Professor Nabil Nasr in the USA to develop the evidence base for Value Retention Processes, including remanufacturing.

IndustriALL Global Union represents 50 million workers in 130 countries in the mining, energy and manufacturing sectors and is a force in global solidarity taking up the fight for better working conditions and trade union rights around the world.

Aske is a leader and engineer within the field of the circular economy, with a focus on waste management. He combines deep technical knowledge with experience from boards of large companies and public affairs work. With a background in the public sector, NGOs and private companies, Aske spans the multiple perspectives of the many actors in a circular economy.