New call for cities and regions working on circular economy to join the CCRI Communities of Practice

New call for cities and regions working on circular economy to join the CCRI Communities of Practice

The Circular Cities and Regions Initiative, launched in 2020, is growing and has just launched a new call for cities and regions across Europe to join the CCRI Communities of Practice. This new group of cities an regions will team up with the 12 CCRI Pilots and 25 Fellows selected in 2022. The deadline for application is 28 March 18:00 CET.

What are the CCRI communities of practice? 

The CCRI communities of practice are small working groups designed to support cities and regions in advancing their circular economy initiatives. Each group addresses a specific topic, selected based on the priorities and challenges identified by local and regional authorities. These topics ensure relevance to urban and regional transitions, focusing on practical needs and policy priorities. The communities of practice provide a platform for participants to share experiences, co-create knowledge and develop practical solutions.

How to apply?

Cities and regions can apply for four dedicated communities, with each a short separate application form: 

  • Urban planning for the circular economy: Rethinking land use, urban design and infrastructure to support circularity. Apply here. 
  • Municipal waste companies for circular cities and regions: Exploring how cities and regions can work together with their municipal waste companies to drive circular strategies, from reuse and repair to resource recovery. Apply here,
  • Supporting local circular businesses: Exploring strategies to collaborate with businesses, mobilise resources, scale circular solutions and strengthen the circular ecosystem through policies, financial instruments, innovation support and capacity-building, tailored to local and regional needs. Apply here.
  • Reducing consumption-based emissions: Exploring high-impact circular actions to cut resource use and emissions, with a focus on efficiency (doing more with less) and sufficiency (reducing demand). Apply here. 

If you have any issues accessing or completing the form, please contact info@ccri-communities-of-practice.eu.

Who can apply?

We invite all European local and regional authorities, along with their agencies and publicly owned companies, to apply.

Participation will be assessed based on the following criteria: 

  • Commitment: Active engagement is key. As a member, you are expected to actively contribute to discussions, attend meetings and help shape or review group outputs.
  • Relevant experience: We are looking for participants who are already working on circular economy initiatives on the chosen topic and can bring valuable insights and experiences to the table.
  • Geographical diversity: To foster a well-rounded exchange, communities of practice aim to include members from a variety of European regions, ensuring a broad perspective on the challenges and solutions in circular economy practices.

What to expect?

By joining the CCRI Communities of Practice, you’ll have the opportunity to tailor the community of practice to your needs and interests, co designing the structure and activities alongside other participants. The following outlines some key aspects:

  • Size: Each group will consist of 5 to 10 cities and regions (with one representative each), supported by experts.
  • Duration: Each community of practice will run for a minimum of 12 months, with the option to extend until December 2026 or beyond, depending on interest.
  • Time Commitment: Around one day per month, to attend at least five online meetings per year, exchange with peers, and take part in consultations on new materials to support cities and regions.
  • Activities: The groups will organise online working meetings focused on the ongoing actions and projects of the participants.
  • Outputs: Your input and insight will be used to develop concrete, publishable deliverables. These are determined by the group, but may include case studies, roadmaps, policy briefings or recommendations.
  • Funding: Participation is voluntary, and no funding is available to cover participation costs. There will be no travel required, as all activities will take place online.

Why join?

  • Learn from your peers: Gain valuable insights from other cities and regions tackling the same challenges
  • Find better solutions faster: Collaborate with peers to address your needs more effectively
  • Expand your network: Connect with an international community of like-minded partners
  • Gain fresh perspectives: Discover best practices firsthand and bring proven solutions back to your own community.

More information?

You can find more information in the factsheet attached and on this webpage. Contact person is Simon Gresset, Senior Expert Circular Economy, CCRI Communities of Practice (ICLEI), simon.gresset@iclei.org 

About CCRI

ERRIN is one of the partners of the Coordination and Support Office supporting the Circular Cities and Regions Initiative (CCRI). Funded by the EU as part of the Circular Economy Action Plan, the CCRI aims to bring the circular economy to life in cities and regions across Europe. The initiative supports the development of circular solutions that address different sectors and value chains, engage diverse stakeholders, and tackle a range of challenges, such as creating new business models and navigating regulatory impacts. It also seeks to drive positive change across social, economic, and environmental fields.

The CCRI Communities of Practice’s activities complement those already offered by the CCRI Coordination and Support office, the CCRI Knowledge Hub and other CCRI partners. They are all about bringing cities and regions together to share experiences, learn from each other and exchange best practices. By fostering peer learning and networking, they aim to broaden the CCRI’s impact to more European cities and regions.