NRW aims to become Europe’s circular economy pioneer

Using funding programmes and EU money, the German federal state is boosting innovation, resource conservation and sustainable business models.

The state of North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) in western Germany aspires to position itself at the vanguard of the circular economy in Europe. By strengthening local authorities, businesses and civil society actors, it hopes to stimulate the transition to a resource-efficient, climate-friendly economy. As part of its “Circular Economy – CircularCities.NRW” funding call, North Rhine-Westphalia, in collaboration with the EU, is making up to €27 million available to cities, districts and municipalities through the EFRE/JTF NRW 2021–2027 programme.

In the second round of funding, eight municipal projects received support totalling approximately €11 million. Now the third round has begun, with around €16 million again available to fund pilot projects on reuse, repair initiatives, circular business models or the appointment of Circular Economy Officers in local authorities, for example. With these funding measures, North Rhine-Westphalia aims to strategically combine innovation, climate action and local value creation – and thereby secure its position as a leader in Europe’s circular economy.