Enhancing capacities for supporting circular economy investments

About

The transition towards a circular economy is a priority on the European agenda, in line with the European Green Deal, the Circular Economy Action Plan 2020 (CEAP), and as one of the six objectives outlined in the EU Taxonomy.

Circular economy represents an approach, where the value and utility of products and materials are maintained for as long as possible, and resources are used in the most effective and economical way, while waste generation is minimised.

Circular economy projects can be developed beyond the waste management sector— most importantly in research and innovation, water, urban development, bioeconomy and industrial manufacturing.

Member States have included the transition to more circularity in their EU funded programmes for 2021-2027. Nevertheless, the use of available funding for circular economy projects is still limited and targeted to classical waste management projects.

Target audience

Over 100 participants from 21 Member States attended our first webinar on the Circular Economy Capacity Building Programme, set to roll out in the latter half of 2024 and continue into 2025.

Managing Authorities and line ministries responsible for EU funds had the opportunity to learn about overcoming existing barriers and implementing circular economy projects that extend beyond waste.

Objectives

The webinar was focused on two primary goals:

• To inform the Managing Authorities on the latest developments in the circular economy, particularly in areas extending beyond waste recycling and management.
• To gather feedback from them regarding the obstacles encountered while developing circular economy projects or project components, as well as their needs for capacity building.

In particular, this training addressed:

• Latest developments in Circular Economy Policy in the context of the EU Funds Programming Period 2021-2027.
• Methodological advice and good practice examples from EU Members States on how to move from circular economy strategy making and/or EU funds programming to the development of project pipelines.
• Panel discussion with Managing Authorities from Denmark, Belgium and France about their experience developing and financing circular economy projects under ERDF.
• An open session about the barriers attendees have encountered and the skills needed to develop circular economy projects.