Operating the Circular Cities and Regions Initiative
The Circular Cities and Regions Initiative (CCRI) targets EU cities and regions and supports them in improving circularity within economic sectors, value chains and services. It aims to support Europe’s green transition by boosting circularity at local and regional levels. It is a unique multi-stakeholder collaboration and support scheme that builds capacity, boosts collaboration and knowledge-sharing, and promotes innovation and upscaling – essential aspects of mainstreaming and driving economic growth across the EU through circular economy.
Background
The CCRI is an initiative of the European Commission, launched by the Directorate-General for Research and Innovation (DG RTD) as part of the EU Circular Economy Action Plan 2020. It contributes to the policy objectives of the EU Green Deal, including the 2050 climate neutrality target, and the EU Bioeconomy Strategy. The CCRI is funded by Horizon 2020 and Horizon Europe, the EU’s research and innovation framework programmes.
Key findings
Since 2021, Ecorys has supported the growth and coordination of the CCRI community. As of autumn 2024, the CCRI community has expanded to 142 cities and regions, ranging from small to large public authorities, doubling since autumn 2023. The CCRI also counts 300 organisations, dedicated to supporting them in their circular journey. The Initiative now includes new types of stakeholders from finance, industry, SMEs and start-ups alongside advisors and policymakers. 
Key highlights
CCRI continued supporting matchmaking and knowledge sharing 
Through the CCRI’s four Thematic Working Groups (TWGs) European cities and regions discuss practical solutions to implement circular systemic solutions. 
Each TWG supports cities and regions in their specific thematic area, including: construction and circular buildings; circular resource management; industrial symbiosis and circular economy in industries; and circular bioeconomy. 
The CCRI supported projects’ successes from idea to implementation 
Over the past year, the CCRI Coordination and Support Office gave 1-to-1 tailored support to 12 selected cities and regions (Pilots).  
Having followed clear roadmaps for their circular solutions, and with the CCRI Coordination and Support Office’s insights into EU policy and legislation for help, many Pilots’ solutions are now starting to see results.  
Last year we showcased these accomplishments in our CCRI Success Story article series published on the news section of the CCRI website, and in the ‘Meet the CCRI Stakeholders’ interview article series, which explain the Initiative’s support to cities and regions in the implementation of their circular solutions. 
The 3rd CCRI workshop connected circular economy projects with investors 
The CCRI made a decisive shift in 2024 towards implementing and accelerating the circular transition by organising more funding and financing opportunities. 
In November 2024, the 3rd Coordination and Support Workshop welcomed over 100 circular economy stakeholders, becoming the first event in CCRI history to involve investors alongside cities, regions and advisors. 
