Over the last 25 years, the RREUSE network has helped build a strong social circular community and shape a fast‑changing policy landscape, connecting the EU’s social and circular agendas.
As key initiatives such as the Circular Economy Act and the Social Economy Action Plan are moving forward, the main challenge lies ahead to make sure they create real conditions for the social and circular sector to grow and thrive.
Hosted in Zagreb with our member, the social cooperative Humana Nova, a shining example of the social circular economy, this conference will look at how social and circular practices operate in Croatia and across Europe, and what policy and funding frameworks they need. Together, we will ask: what can “old” and “new” Member States learn from each other in policy and practice? How do EU‑level circular policies translate into national laws, and where do important gaps remain?
To move from policy to real‑life impact, we will review concrete lessons from key product streams including waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE), textiles, furniture and mattresses. We will examine what has worked, what has not, and what different regulations can learn from each other.
Throughout the event, social enterprise representatives and policymakers will share what they see on the ground: which measures genuinely support reuse, repair and social enterprises, and which still hold them back. The discussion will highlight best practices from across Europe, including from newer Member States in Eastern Europe and the Mediterranean, as well as neighbouring countries.
Join us in Zagreb to take stock of 25 years of progress, learn from peers across Europe, and contribute to the discussion on what is needed next to build an inclusive, resilient and waste-free society.
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