The European Union and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) launched the new “EU for Circular Economy and Circular Economy for Sustainable Urban Development” project today.

Implemented by GIZ Albania, and working in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism and Environment of the Republic of Albania, the 3.5 year, 14.6 M EUR project will help Albania reduce waste and transition to a circular economy model by assisting Albania to: Develop an improved and EU-compliant waste management legal framework including training on implementation, enforcement and monitoring; Introduce green business models such as Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) in three waste streams and support circular economy measures in 15 partner municipalities, including waste management services, establishing and improving recycling measures, such as Composting Plants and Material Recovery Facilities.

The project will work with businesses, non-profit organizations, and academia to nurture innovative, gender-responsive green products, services, and circular business models.

Present at the launching ceremony, the Minister of Tourism and Environment Ms. Mirela Kumbaro and the German Ambassador to Albania Mr. Karlfried Bergner welcomed the new project that will significantly contribute to implement EU environmental standards and circular economy principles in Albania.