The regional conference, Balkans Go Circular 2023, dedicated to the circular economy, was held at the Faculty of Organizational Sciences of the University of Belgrade. Organized by the Center for Circular Economy CirEkon, this third annual conference brought together experts in the field of circular economy, representatives from institutions, the Faculty of Organizational Sciences, funds, banks, and companies. They exchanged knowledge and the latest information related to this field, focusing on the drivers of circularity and market changes in the Balkans.
The program featured three panel discussions dedicated to current and upcoming regulations and directives affecting the European market, circular business financing models, and necessary circular changes, services, and products in the regional market.
Milan Veselinov, the founder and director of CirEkon, described Balkans Go Circular as a visionary initiative aimed at a future where waste is eliminated, resources are properly valued, and health and well-being are foundational to societal development.
The third panel, “How to Get Funds for Circular Business,” focused on supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) during their transition to circular business models. Representatives of SMEs had the opportunity to receive direct information about cooperation and financing models suited to their businesses. UNDP representative Ana Mitić-Radulović discussed ways of financing and approving funds for circular business models, as well as how UNDP evaluates the success of circular projects applying for funding from this organization.
