Eyes widely open for the circular economy
Eye-opening examples inspired the audience at the public lectures and discussions about the circular economy in the Sofia University on 24 November. Focused on the agri-food sector and its contribution to the transition of the economy from linear to a circular one, the event was part of a week-tour between 21 and 24 November in Romania and Bulgaria.
The keynote speakers, Dr. Emiel Wubben from Wageningen University & Research, Eef LEEUW from the European Innovation Partnership on Water and Katerina Milanova – Bulgarian brewery Zagorka, part of the HEINEKEN Company, shared knowledge, experience and vibrant examples of the circle economy in the field of the agri-food sector from the Netherlands, Europe and around the world.
For the Netherlands and Bulgaria the circular economy is a priority and both countries are interested in sharing inspiring ideas and expertise in business models of circular economy, as well as building up cooperation in this field, especially in the agriculture & food sector.
Aiming at circular economy in 2050, the Netherlands took the ambitious leading role in the EU selecting biomass and food, plastics, manufacturing industry, construction sector and consumer goods be the first to switch to a circular economy and actively working on the transition agenda. Several of the examples from these sectors raised discussions, which were mainly focused on both, the technical solutions and political will to implement them in the practice in an intelligent way.
Cuurently, the European countries are focused in implementing the circular economy package of actions adopted last year by the European Commission during the Dutch presidency of the European Council. The process is expected to be boosted during the Bulgaria’s EU Presidency in the first half of 2018, when hopefully, the Waste Package will be decided upon.
University lecturers, scientists, researchers, students, business people, consultants and journalists participated in the vivid discussions with questions and sharing ideas.
The event is organized by the Netherlands Embassy Bulgaria in cooperation with Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski”. The lecture in Sofia was the final stop of the “Open your mind for the circular economy” Tour to Romania and Bulgaria, initiated by the Dutch Agricultural Counsellor in Bucharest, Mr Emar Gemmeke.
Listen here the interview of Emar Gemmeke, Counsellor for agriculture, food and nature, Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Romania and Bulgaria and Doriana Milenkova, Policy Advisor Agriculture, Nature & Food at the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Bulgaria for BNR, Bulgarian National Radio