In 2022 the Podravje region (Slovenia) became part of the Circular Cities and Regions Initiative (CCRI) and was selected as one of the 12 CCRI pilots being supported for the implementation of Circular Systemic Solutions (CSS) which could provide answers to major challenges beyond resource management and waste/water recovery.
The region is now developing a circular bioeconomy strategy which is the key document describing the available regional resources and linking them to suitable CSSs.
So far, two rounds of consultations with regional stakeholders have been organised and 9 key CCSs have been identified as the key activities within 4 priority areas:
Go Circular 2024 will focus on utilising enablers and breaking barriers to achieve plastic circularity.
It's an opportunity to discuss the main challenges in the field of plastic circularity and to identify partners for related projects. The conference covers the entire circular plastic value chain and aims to speed up the shift to a low carbon circular economy.
This briefing looks into how circular economy and waste sector policies and measures can reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
It analyses how European countries include circular economy and waste actions in their reporting on climate change mitigation policies and measures and how the introduction of additional measures can help accelerate future reductions of GHG emissions.
The briefing finds that waste management and the circular economy have considerable potential for mitigating climate change. Therefore, countries would benefit from including policies and measures in these areas in their climate policy mix.
Following a request by the Belgian Presidency of the Council of the European Union, the European Committee of the Regions is preparing an opinion on What is the role of local and regional authorities in the transition towards a circular economy? The opinion is being drawn up by Loredana Capone, president of Apulia Regional Council (Italy).
This stakeholder consultationis intended to provide Ms Capone with input for the opinion.
The European Commission is hosting a webinar on 18 March showing how the EU Level(s) framework for sustainable buildings can help industry professionals navigate changes in the rules governing sustainable finance as regards construction and real estate.
The BRINC(Brokering cross-border Innovation through Clusters) project is holding a workshop where participants will be able to meet the BRINC network of public authorities and other key actors working on public procurement of innovation and circular economy in order to exchange insights and learn from each other.
The New Era Buildings and Housing Festival, better known as URF, is organised by the Finnish city of Kerava in the lush surroundings of Kerava Manor.
This is the main event in Kerava's 100th anniversary celebrations: visitors can visit the festival free of charge, and if they choose they can buy a ticket for the events and concerts.
URF focuses on sustainable housing and living, providing inspiration and circular solutions for future housing.
EuRIC, a leading voice in Europe's recycling industries, is organising an event on "Plug into sustainability: e-waste recycling", to take place on 3 June from 14:00 to 17:30 CEST, in Brussels.
It will be an opportunity to explore the latest developments and sustainable practices in e-waste recycling, bringing together industry leaders, policy makers and innovators.
The transition towards the circular economy entails complex economic and social changes. Using a survey, the EDUCIRC project will provide policy recommendations on rural development, with particular emphasis on women and young people.
It will devise a new methodology for assessing the capacity of rural areas to deliver this transition and identify the main obstacles, strengths and problems, as well as possible solutions.
The FUSTARISE Project aims to find more sustainable ways to deal with lignocellulosic waste - plant waste from agriculture and forestry. Most of this waste currently ends up in landfills - this project uses solvent-free mechanochemical techniques to transform it into products such as capsules and adhesives.