On 15–16 April 2026, NALAS successfully convened the first meeting of the Working Group on Circular Economy in Skopje, North Macedonia. The meeting brought together representatives of Local Government Associations (LGAs) and municipalities from across South-East Europe to initiate a regional dialogue on advancing circular economy at the local level.

The Working Group is established within the project “Empowering Local Governments for Gender-Responsive Circular Economy Initiatives”, implemented by NALAS in cooperation with GIZ, on behalf of the German Government, within the Regional Climate Partnership between Germany and the Western Balkans.

Exchange of Practical Experiences

The first day focused on sharing practical circular economy initiatives implemented by municipalities across the region. Through an interactive “Circular Economy Marketplace” session, participants presented concrete examples from their local contexts, particularly in service delivery sectors such as waste management.

The exchange highlighted that while circular economy practices are already emerging, they are often fragmented and not yet fully integrated into local planning and policy frameworks.

Towards Common Approaches and Measurement

Discussions also addressed the importance of developing practical indicators and benchmarking approaches for circular economy at the local level. Participants emphasized the need for simple, applicable tools that reflect local realities and support decision-making.

In addition, the regional policy context was explored, confirming that while circular economy is gaining importance across South-East Europe, its implementation at local level remains at an early stage.

Defining Capacity Needs and Next Steps

Participants worked collaboratively to translate these challenges into concrete capacity development needs, which will directly inform the design of a targeted training programme. The programme will focus on three key areas: implementation of circular economy solutions in local services, strategic planning and development of circular economy roadmaps, and access to financing and project development.

Strengthening Regional Cooperation

The Working Group serves as a platform for continuous exchange, peer learning, and joint development of tools and approaches. It will play a key role in guiding the project’s activities and ensuring that they respond to the real needs of local governments.

NALAS looks forward to continuing this collaborative process and supporting its members in advancing circular economy solutions that are practical, inclusive, and impactful.