On October 20 and 21, Zagreb and Međimurje will host a large international conference on pressing topics in the social and circular economy, titled "Ready to act: Shaping the next social and circular Europe".
The conference is organized by RREUSE, the leading European network of social enterprises in the circular economy, which will also mark its 25th anniversary on this occasion. Humana Nova is co-organizing and hosting the event.
Among key conference speakers are Anastasia Costantini from the Directorate General of the European Commission for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion, then the founder of the Greener and Cleaner organization Parisa Wright, the president of the RREUSE network and the Austrian national organization Re-Use Matthias Neitsch, along with other prominent names from the sector across Europe and Croatia.
The conference will also bring together experts from Croatian ministries, public utility companies, and representatives of the City of Zagreb, led by Jagoda Munić, representing the Mayor of Zagreb.
Over 140 individuals who are working toward an inclusive and resource-efficient Europe, whether in a social enterprise, public authority, civil society organisation, academia, a social or circular economy organisation, or elsewhere, will attend the event. National and European business leaders, policymakers, and industry professionals will gather in Zagreb to exchange experiences, build connections, and explore the future needs of the sector.
Program
- Tuesday, October 20 (Zagreb):
On Day 1, we will gather for a one-day conference at the Sheraton Hotel in Zagreb. We will reflect on what has been achieved over the past 25 years, explore what works today, and discuss the challenges ahead and how to shape the sector’s future across Europe. The agenda includes short presentations, panel discussions, conversations, and networking opportunities for participants. The conference program will be in English, with simultaneous translation to Croatian.
- Wednesday, October 21 (Međimurje):
On Day 2, we will travel to Međimurje for a day of site visits and exchange. The program includes a study visit, presentation and workshop at Humana Nova, followed by a visit to PRE-KOM, Croatia’s only reuse centre.
From European policies to best practices
As key EU initiatives such as the Circular Economy Act and the Social Economy Action Plan move forward, we will focus on turning policy goals into practical steps that will bring real change in social circularity.
Topics we will discuss:
- From EU policy to local reality: How EU-level goals and regulations are implemented and transposed into national legislation, where gaps still exist, and what “old” and “new” member states can learn from each other in regulation and practice.
- Bringing reuse and repair to life: Experiences and lessons learned from key product streams—including textiles, electrical and electronic equipment, furniture, and mattresses—to see what is working and what isn't.
- Creating the right conditions for social enterprises: Which policy, regulatory, and financial measures truly support reuse, repair, and the operations of social enterprise, enabling their genuine growth and development, and which ones continue to hold them back?
- Learning and exchange at the EU level: Sharing practical experiences and best practice from across Europe, including newer member states from Eastern Europe and the Mediterranean, as well as neighboring countries.
Over the past 25 years, RREUSE has helped build a strong social-circular community and shape new policies, linking the EU’s social and environmental goals. The conference is an opportunity to look back on everything that has been achieved so far, exchange experiences with colleagues from all over Europe, and contribute to the discussion on new steps in building an inclusive and resilient society without waste.
