Greece and Albania are stepping up efforts to transition toward a circular and resource-efficient economy through two major cross-border projects funded under the Interreg IPA VI-A Cooperation Programme 2021–2027.
Deputy Minister of National Economy and Finance of Greece, Nikos Papathanasis, recently signed agreements allocating €1.98 million to the Circular Economy Park (CIRCLE) project and €2.49 million to the Introduction of Digital Tools for Monitoring Waste Management in Urban Areas (DIGITAL).
The CIRCLE initiative targets the management of agricultural and aquatic waste, aiming to transform these streams into high-value products that support local economies. Central to the project is the establishment of an Innovation and Circular Economy Center in Western Macedonia, complemented by the deployment of waste treatment systems in Albania’s Fier and Pogradec regions. Beyond infrastructure, CIRCLE emphasizes environmental education and stakeholder training, promoting awareness among schools and communities about sustainable practices.
Parallel to this, the DIGITAL project leverages smart waste management technology to enhance recycling efficiency and reduce landfill dependency. Through the installation of “Earn As You Throw” bins equipped with sensors, magnetic cards, and precision scales, the system incentivizes citizens to separate recyclables at the source. By integrating technology into municipal waste collection, the project is expected to raise recycling rates and streamline waste management operations in participating regions.
Together, these initiatives aim to impact over 290,000 residents across Eordaia, Corfu, and Ioannina in Greece, as well as Berat and Himara in Albania. Beyond environmental benefits, the projects are projected to generate green jobs, increase public awareness of circular economy principles, and strengthen cross-border collaboration among local authorities, organizations, and citizens.
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