Picture:  Mr Thomas HAGLEITNER, Head of Unit at EU Directorate-General for Enlargement and Eastern Neighbourhood (DG ENEST)

What is the Circular Economy and Why Does it Matter?

The circular economy represents a fundamental shift from the traditional "take-make-waste" model to one where resources are kept in use for as long as possible, extracting maximum value before recovering and regenerating materials. For Eastern Partnership countries, this transition offers significant opportunities: reduced resource costs for businesses, new job creation, decreased environmental impact, and enhanced competitiveness in EU markets.

Building on Strong Foundations

The EU4Green Recovery East programme, with €21.3 million in funding for 2025-2028, represents the latest phase of EU support for sustainable development in the Eastern Partnership countries. Building on the success of previous initiatives like EaP Green and EU4Environmen-Green Economy—which helped establish policy frameworks, supported small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in going green, and introduced circular economy concepts— EU4Green Recovery East now focuses on practical implementation and scaling up successful practices.

The programme offers concrete support through digital tools that help businesses identify circular opportunities, demonstration projects that show real-world applications, expanded networks of Resource Efficient and Cleaner Production (RECP) Clubs for peer learning, and alignment with European standards to help local businesses access EU markets.

UNIDO (United Nations Industrial Development Organisation) is one of the implementing partners of the EU4Green Recovery East programme and is working to promote the circular economy in Eastern Partnership countries. To know more, read the leaflet about Circular Economy activities in the frame of the EU4Green Recovery East programme.

International Recognition and Knowledge Sharing

The UNIDO exhibition booth showcased practical results from previous EU-funded programmes at the World Circular Economy Forum 2025 (May 13-14), a premier global event where business leaders, policymakers, and researchers gather to accelerate circular economy solutions. The presented materials demonstrated how circular thinking has been successfully integrated into business operations and government policies across the Eastern Partnership countries with EU support.

A virtual acceleration session on May 15, co-organized by UNIDO with the Economic Cooperation Organization, emphasized the importance of regional cooperation in achieving sustainable transitions—a key principle underlying EU4Green Recovery East’s approach.

Armenia: Circular Thinking at the Agenda of Yerevan Dialogue

During the Yerevan Dialogue 2025, senior UNIDO representatives met with Deputy Ministers from Armenia's key ministries on May 27. These high-level discussions focused on how EU-supported programmes can accelerate Armenia's industrial modernization and green transition. The meetings built on previous successes in helping Armenian SMEs adopt eco-friendly practices and integrate circular economy principles into their operations.

Moldova: Green Industrial Transition

Moldova's experience illustrates how circular economy principles can transform industrial zones. Starting with a May 8 workshop on applying circular practices in industrial parks, the initiative culminated in a June 26 event in Chisinau showcasing concrete results from the Global Eco-Industrial Parks Programme (implemented by UNIDO, funded by the Swiss government)? which builds on previous feasibility studies at Tracom Industrial Park and Valkanes Special Economic Zone  also  discussed during the events. Here, UNIDO focuses on practical solutions like waste prevention through better design, industrial symbiosis (where one company's waste becomes another's input), and resource sharing among businesses.

Under EU4Green Recovery East, Moldova will benefit from detailed industrial waste mapping, digital tools for tracking resource flows, and enhanced business networking opportunities. The programme will also address emerging environmental challenges like pharmaceutical residues and microplastics in industrial wastewater—issues particularly relevant as Moldova aligns with EU environmental standards.

Ukraine: Recovery Through Circular Economy

Ukraine demonstrates how circular economy principles can support post-conflict reconstruction. Two major events in June showcased this potential:

On June 4, government officials and international partners gathered in Vienna at UNIDO headquarters to discuss Ukraine's Green Industrial Recovery, with EU4Green Recovery East positioned as a flagship initiative for sustainable reconstruction.

This was followed by an EU-UNIDO partner event in Brussels on June 23 during EU Green Week “Circular Economy for Ukraine’s Recovery”, where over 80 stakeholders—including business leaders, government officials, and civil society representatives—explored how circular economy can drive Ukraine's recovery.

A key document for that is UNIDO's strategic foresight study identifying five priority sectors for circular transformation: construction (crucial for rebuilding), food & beverages, electronics & ICT, plastics & packaging, and waste management.

The EU4Green Recovery East programme will support implementation of Ukraine's national Circular Economy strategy and establish a Circular Economy Hub to facilitate knowledge exchange within country and with the EU partners—a model that will be replicated in other Eastern Partnership countries.

The EU4Green Recovery East programme's country-specific approach shows how circular economy principles can be adapted to different national contexts while maintaining coherence with broader EU environmental and economic objectives. As the programme continues through 2028, it positions Eastern Partnership countries to become more competitive in green markets while contributing to global sustainability goals.

The EU4Green Recovery East programme has officially launched with online kick-off meetings in February and March. This €21.3 million EU-funded programme (2025-2028) supports a greener, more resilient, and competitive economy across the Eastern Partnership region.

Building on a decade of EU cooperation, the programme focuses on circular economy, sustainable water management, environmental data, and legal alignment with EU standards. With the inception phase now underway, project partners are engaging directly with beneficiaries in each country to tailor activities to national priorities.

Implemented by five partners: Expertise France with the French International Office for Water (OiEau), OECD, UNECE, UNIDO, and the Environment Agency Austria (UBA), as the consortium coordinator. , the programme reinforces the EU’s commitment to green transition and regional cooperation.

As part of the EU4Environment Water and Data programme, the implementation of River Basin Management Plans (RBMPs) in Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine aims to improve the qualitative and quantitative status of water bodies. A key component of these plans is the programme of measures, which includes a range of actions to restore affected water bodies. 

Nature-Based Solutions (NbS) play a crucial role in RBMPs, offering sustainable approaches that address environmental challenges while preserving biodiversity and natural resources. These solutions provide cost-effective, long-term alternatives to traditional infrastructure investments. 

The Catalogue of Nature-Based Solutions for Water Management in the Eastern Partnership Countries offers: 
� 34 documented NbS factsheets with case studies and technical references 
� Examples of cost calculations and unit costs 
� Practical guidance for practitioners, decision-makers, and researchers 

Examples of NbS already in use across the region include: 
� Community forest and pasture management in Moldova’s Orhei National Park 
� Agroforestry systems in Georgia to reduce wind erosion 
� Steppe ecosystem restoration in Ukraine to protect wildlife habitats 

� Download the catalogue in all languages: https://eu4waterdata.eu/en/resource-library-hidden/56-eap-region-3/378-catalogue-of-nature-based-solutions-for-water-management-in-the-eastern-partnership-countries.html  

The catalogue and their translations been developed with the support of the European Union via technical guidance of the International Office for Water (OiEau) France. 

As 2024 comes to a close, we send warm season’s greetings to our partners, stakeholders and beneficiaries across the Eastern Partnership (EaP) countries: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine. This year marks the culmination of the EU4Environment – Water Resources and Environmental Data programme. As we reflect on our achievements, we look forward to the upcoming successor programme under the title EU4Green Recovery East , which will carry forward and expand this important work in 2025 and beyond. 

Reflecting on key achievements  

Over the past years, the EU4Environment Water Resources and Environmental Data project has successfully strengthened cooperation in the Eastern Partnership (EaP) countries, improving water resource management and enhancing environmental data collection to foster sustainable development. Through joint efforts and dedication, we have achieved notable milestones that have laid a foundation for better environmental governance and shared regional progress. Milestones include: 

• Adoption of River Basin Management Plans and improved water quality monitoring networks. 

• Support for legislative reforms aligning with EU standards, such as groundwater quality norms and nitrate pollution control. 

• Promotion of public health monitoring, such as SARS-CoV-2 wastewater surveillance. 

• Enhanced transboundary cooperation on shared water resources, improving data sharing and joint governance. 

Introducing EU4Green Recovery East 

As we conclude one chapter, we open another with EU4Green Recovery East, a new regional programme launching in 2025. With an EU contribution of €21.3 million, this programme will support EaP countries in transitioning to greener, more resilient economies, incorporating circular economy principles and promoting sustainable resource use. 

EU4Green Recovery East will focus on: 

• circular economy promotion along the full lifecycle approaches; 

• pollution reduction with a focus on water as a critical resource for the economy; 

• legislative alignment with the European Green Deal, including, where relevant, with Chapter 27 of the EU acquis and facilitation of the accession process; 

• integration into EU-wide environmental cooperation, and 

• promotion of compliance with international commitments relevant for the Global Gateway Strategy and infrastructure modernisation. 

This programme builds on the foundation laid by the EU4Environment-Water Resources and Environmental Data programme, leveraging synergies with other EU programmes (EU4Environment – Green Economy) and partnerships to accelerate development in line with the Economic and Investment Plan for Eastern Partnership countries. 

Looking Forward 

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all who contributed to the success of EU4Environment Water Resources and Environmental Data. Your dedication has been instrumental in achieving these milestones. As we embark on this new journey with EU4Green Recovery, we look forward to working together toward a greener, more sustainable future for the region. 

Season’s greetings and best wishes for a prosperous and environmentally conscious 2025! 

The EU-funded research and innovation project, SpongeWorks, funded under the Horizon Europe programme, is offering an exciting opportunity for regions to join its Associated Regions network. Local and regional authorities, as well as river basin organisations from Armenia, Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine, are eligible to apply for this unique initiative aimed at improving water retention, soil health, and climate resilience through Nature-based Solutions. 

Why Participate? 

By becoming an Associated Region, your area will receive support to implement innovative ‘sponge measures’ designed to enhance the sponge function of landscapes. This includes restoring rivers, meadows, and floodplains, applying soil conservation practices, introducing urban greening, and implementing sustainable urban water management solutions like rainwater harvesting. 

Eight selected regions will receive up to €100,000 in grant funding to design, implement and evaluate these solutions tailored to their specific needs. Beyond financial support, SpongeWorks offers access to technical expertise, capacity building, and an international network of practitioners, with the aim of fostering community engagement and knowledge-sharing. 

What’s in it for your region? 

Financial Support: Up to €100,000 to implement impactful initiatives. 

Capacity Building: Access to tools, workshops, and experienced practitioners. 

Visibility and Networking: Opportunities to showcase your region at the European level through SpongeWorks events and the promotion of successful demonstration sites. 

How to Apply? 

The call is open to local and regional authorities, as well as river basin organisations from EU Member States and Horizon Europe associated countries, including Armenia, Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine. 

The deadline for applications is 31 January 2025. 

Visit the SpongeWorks website to download the guidelines and the application form: https://spongeworks.eu/associated-regions 

The official call for tenders: https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/competitive-calls-cs/9481 

On October 30, 2024, an online workshop introduced the newly developed Catalogue of Nature-Based Solutions (NbS). The presentation was attended by nearly 200 participants from Eastern Partnership (EaP) countries and the EU, including national authorities, water experts, water user representatives, donors, and various organizations engaged in water management and Nature-based Solution projects. The workshop emphasized the critical role of Nature-based Solutions in tackling water-related issues and aligning with EU law, notably the Water Framework Directive (WFD). 

A Practical Tool for Sustainable Water Resource Management 

Nature-based Solutions are actions that copy or make use of natural processes (ecosystem services) and can be applied in low-cost and sustainable ways. They often restore modified ecosystems and provide additional benefits for human well-being.  

Developed by the International Office for Water (OiEau) under the EU4Environment - Water Resources and Environmental Data programme, the NbS Catalogue provides a comprehensive guide tailored to address specific water-related challenges in each EaP country. It features a range of solutions that can help mitigate issues such as water pollution, flow disruption, and hydromorphological changes, which at the same time are also improving biodiversity and climate adaptation. 

The new catalogue serves as a valuable resource for decision-makers, helping them identify and prioritize the most suitable Nature-Based Solutions for their regions. It includes detailed factsheets, implementation recommendations, and financing options, supporting the incorporation of NbS into Programmes of Measures (PoMs) within River Basin Management Plans (RBMPs). 

Eastern Partnership Knowledge Exchange 

As an example, experts from RECC Caucasus shared insights on integrating NbS into Georgia’s River Basin Management Plans for the Enguri and Rioni basins. Representatives from Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine reported their experiences and challenges in adopting NbS within their national water strategies. This collaboration is expected to enhance the usability of the NbS Catalogue across varied water user sectors and contexts in the region. 

Dowload the presentations: 

• Nature based Solutions for the WFD and the FD
• Nature-Based Solutions (NbS) and River Basin Management Plans in Georgia
• Presentation of the Nature Based Solutions Catalogue for RBMPS
• Catalogue of Nature Based Solution for Improved Water Management in Eastern Partnership Countries