Monitoring plays an important role in underpinning and improving circular economy policies. But collecting data alone is not enough. It is about insight, about collaboration – about the question: how do we use data to make a real impact? With representatives of the European Commission we will discuss the importance of joint monitoring, sharing insights and developing a shared language. Be inspired by best practices from different European regions. They show not only what is being monitored, but especially how. With smart approaches, innovative structures and a clear idea of what data can really mean for policy.

These insights form the basis for a joint blueprint – a foundation for future cooperation and policy development at the European level. We look ahead: how can we take this further? There are opportunities to set up new European projects and collaborations around monitoring. In this work session we will explore these opportunities together.

The working session on circular plastics will be organized for anyone involved or (interested) in the (circular) plastics value chain – from policy and research to design, production, and recycling. The session will feature a series of keynote presentations. The aim is threefold: to inspire, to inform, and to spark curiosity. First, a compelling story will be shared by a local or regional circular hero. Next, we will zoom in on the regional ecosystem, with a presentation explaining how circular collaboration is organized and supported in the Northern Netherlands. Finally, the session will include a short deep dive into materials of the future, offering technical insights and a glimpse into upcoming developments in circular materials.

This will be followed by an interactive afternoon session with focus on knowledge exchange and fostering new partnerships. Participants will be invited to pitch their ongoing projects or initiatives, particularly those that are looking for dissemination opportunities or (international) partners. The session also provides a platform to showcase project results. To stimulate future cooperation, there will be space for open discussion, idea generation, and matchmaking, particularly in the context of upcoming Horizon calls. The emphasis will be on connecting people and ideas across the circular plastics value chain and beyond.

Biobased and circular construction plays a key role in the circular economy. It lowers the carbon footprint of the building sector, provides new business models for farmers and demolition companies, and contributes to climate goals through carbon storage in materials and avoidance of carbon intensive products. It also supports sustainable, healthy, and nature-inclusive development. Regions play a vital role in this transition. They bridge the gap between policy and practice, connect local value chains, and drive innovation in agriculture, industry and construction. By investing in circular and biobased innovations and stimulating this through procurement, regions strengthen their economic resilience, unlock new business models, and contribute to European goals on climate, biodiversity, and resource security.

This session will explore how Europe is shaping its policies to accelerate the use of circular and biobased materials in construction. We start with key speakers outlining current EU developments and future policy directions, discuss societal and economic implications, and invite participants into an open dialogue. After that, we will highlight inspiring examples from pioneering regions, showcasing successful examples from planning to implementation.
Finally, a hands-on matchmaking workshop will allow participants to connect around shared challenges, expertise, and project ideas, laying the groundwork for future European collaboration.

Public procurement plays a crucial role in shaping sustainable and resilient cities and regions. The ongoing revision of the EU Public Procurement Directives offers a key opportunity to address key challenges and enhance legal certainty, particularly concerning the inclusion of circular economy principles in procurement processes. The first part of the session will provide insights on the status of the revision of the public procurement directives. As cities and regions are on the front lines of policy implementation, we will hear direct insights from local and regional representatives on their experiences, challenges and recommendations for using procurement as a strategic tool to build more sustainable and resilient societies.
Despite the clear potential of circular procurement and a supportive legislative framework, many public authorities face significant internal challenges that hinder its effective implementation. In the second part of this session we will gain insights into how public administration can enhance internal commitment. This will be discussed in expert presentations, by showing best practices and by participating in an interactive roundtable discussion.

In what ways can businesses and societal partners take up an active role in shaping the future of education for the circular transition? In this working session we will commonly explore answers to this question. In order to educate students to take their role in a circular transition we need to broader our educational offer. In this, real life cases and involvement of businesses and societal partners are essential. This means that these businesses and societal partners need to take up their role in a regional learning ecosystem. Not because they will always directly profit from it, but because eventually this is necessary to give them the needed human capital they need for their circular transition. Elements of the EU Circular Economy Act should therefore deal with how funding is also linked with educational engagements by recipients.

This session aims at exploring ways for businesses and societal partners to do so. We do so by utilizing a design thinking method and stimulating the interaction between educational partners, business and societal partners. This way we hope to position the region as a stakeholder in the development of a future proof educational system. The session includes inspirational speakers from the Regional University Network (RUN EU), the Regional Centres of Expertise on Education for Sustainable Development (RCE) and best practices from Fryslân and ACR+.

As part of the Circular Summit Fryslân 2025, the SOILL Start-Up project, in collaboration with the Province of Friesland, invites local and regional public authorities to a focused session on the future of soil health in Europe.

This session is designed for local and regional authorities ready to take action on soil restoration and explore the opportunities offered by the EU Mission “A Soil Deal for Europe.” Learn how to access funding, connect with peers, and take your first steps toward launching a Soil Health Living Lab (SHLL) in your region.

Join us for an inspiring and hands-on workshop focused on closing the water loop – a vital step toward sustainable water management in times of growing scarcity and environmental pressure. The water loop encompasses the entire cycle: from the sourcing of (drinking) water to the treatment and reuse of (waste)water. By removing harmful substances and recovering valuable nutrients and materials, we can create circular systems that decrease the reliance on increasingly stressed freshwater sources and reduce the need for resource extraction elsewhere. Water reuse plays a crucial role in this approach, turning wastewater into a valuable resource while protecting the environment and strengthening long-term resilience. We’ll also explore how innovations from the WaterCampus are helping to drive this transition and support policy goals. European cooperation and the exchange of lessons learned from other regions are key enablers in accelerating this circular transition — participants are encouraged to actively contribute their own insights, experiences, and regional perspectives.

Whether you’re working in policy, research, or the water sector, this is your opportunity to connect, collaborate, and be part of shaping tomorrow’s water systems. Let’s close the loop – together.