An opening press conference on the project Circular Minds, funded under the Interreg Europe program, was held on February 25, 2025 in the city of Kardzhali. The project is implemented by the Cleantech Bulgaria Foundation, in partnership with the Municipality of Kardzhali and eight organizations and local authorities from other European countries.
Circular Minds aims to improve the regional policy of the Municipality of Kardzhali towards promoting the circular economy by the mechanism of public procurement. The project envisages the development of practical capacity building tools at the local management level, drives a mindset shift in organizations from linear to circular practices and shares practical experience.
The introduction of circular requirements in public procurement changes the behavior of participants in the economic system towards an accelerated adoption of circular practices. Circular Minds will select and promote good practices in the field, presented by the project partners, allowing local authorities to adapt and use the most appropriate solutions for their region. By changing attitudes and perceptions, the initiative will deepen understanding of the role of the circular economy and pave the way for the introduction of even more ambitious circular requirements in public procurement.
Representatives of the Cleantech Bulgaria Foundation explained the main principles of the circular economy, the opportunities for their implementation, the potential benefits and the results for business and society.
After the press conference, a stakeholder meeting was held. Local business organizations, universities and companies, representatives of municipal departments and structures involved in the public procurement process attended the event. Good examples for an implementation of circular principles in the economic activities in the Kardzhali region, as well as from the regions of the other project partners, were discussed.
The Circular Minds project brings together local authorities and regional organizations from the Netherlands, Belgium, Portugal, Spain, Hungary, Finland, Sweden, Albania and Bulgaria.
