The EU Circular Economy Resource Centre (EU CERC) aims to share circular economy good practices from European countries and facilitate peer-to-peer knowledge exchange between European and non-European countries, with a focus on the Global South and the European Neighbourhood.

EU CERC has now published a call for tenders relating to the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR). This regulation will change the way products are designed, making them more compatible with circular economy principles. The new requirements are relevant for any company placing products on the European market, and requires dialogue between European and non-European policymakers and businesses.

The call for tenders focuses on "Technical support to ecodesign readiness in global value chains". The goal is to prepare policymakers and the private sector in EU CERC partner countries for the ESPR (see the list of partner countries). 

The call aims to develop two knowledge products and deliver a minimum of five capacity-building activities to help prepare EU CERC partner countries for ecodesign for circularity, the ESPR and related Digital Product Passports. 

The contractor should consider:

• how the ESPR and future delegated acts are relevant to EU CERC partner countries in the Global South and the European Neighbourhood regions,
• how these partner country businesses can benefit from European experiences of ecodesign.

The publications are expected to be launched at the World Circular Economy Forum (WCEF) in October 2026. The value of the tender is EUR 125 000 (+VAT) and the deadline for applying is 10 March.