Around one hundred participants took part in the 21st ICLEI Breakfast at Sustainability's (B@S) event in Brussels (Belgium) on the potential of the circular economy, demonstrating the increasing interest that exists on the topic among European regions. Co-organiser of the event the Common Representation of the European Region Tyrol - South Tyrol and Trentino presented their work on integrating the circular economy, outlining ambitious waste treatment, smart energy, and CO2 reduction plans.

Herbert Dorfmann, Member of the European Parliament, gave a short overview on the state-of-the-art on circular economy at EU policy level, while Joanna Drake, Deputy Director General of DG Environment, provided an update on the latest developments from the European Commission. Ms Drake confirmed that the European Commission was on track with the Circular Economy package and urged cities and region to support the action plan though bottom-up initiatives, mentioning the importance of green public procurement for the implementation of the circular economy.

Following a video outlining the circular economy concept, a panel discussion featuring ACR+, Zero Waste Europe and Green Alliance was held, looking at ways to progress on circular economy solutions. The website of the Circular Europe Network was recommended as a source of circular economy good practice examples. Alessandro Carano from DG Economic and Financial Affairs of the European Commission announced the creation of an investment platform on circular economy within the European Investment Bank.

For more information, contact peter.defranceschi@iclei.org.