The European Circular Cities Declaration, launched at the Mannheim2020 conference, enables local and regional governments to communicate their commitment to supporting the transition from a linear to a circular economy in Europe. A number of local governments have already become signatories to the declaration, while others are being introduced to it through a series of online seminars.

The first European Circular Cities Declaration online seminar took place on 7 December. Cities and regions potentially interested in signing were inspired by current signatories who presented good practice examples of how they integrated circularity principles in their cities. The Declaration was developed by a broad partnership of European stakeholders, who also had the chance to introduce themselves in the webinar.

Zala Strojin, Circular Economy Manager for ICLEI Member Ljubljana (Slovenia), presented the Slovenian’s capital vision for becoming a ‘green city with convenient living standards’ by 2025. A Northern Europe perspective was presented by Liv Öberg, project manager for circular economy for ICLEI Member Umeå (Sweden), who gave an overview of the challenges and opportunities facing the Swedish city as it transitions towards circularity. Kathrine Overgaard Warberg, Head of the Circular Copenhagen programme in ICLEI Member Copenhagen (Denmark), showed how her city is working to transform waste separation and collection. Finally, ICLEI Member Oslo (Norway)'s Håkon Sandven Jafton, coordinator of the Urban Agenda Partnership on Circular Economy, gave an update on the progess of the Partnership.

The presentations of all the speakers, as well as the full recording of the webinar, can be viewed here. The next webinar is planned for the first quarter of 2021.

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