GPP2ADRION in Skopje: From Project Results to Stronger Transnational Cooperation
Circular Change joined the GPP2ADRION project partners and stakeholders in Skopje for two connected events: the project partner meeting on 18 May and the thematic session on Green Public Procurement at the EUSAIR Forum on 19 May 2026. Together, the two meetings marked an important step in aligning project results, future cooperation and broader European circular economy priorities.
Reviewing progress and planning the next phase
GPP2ADRION partners gathered in Skopje to review the results achieved so far and to plan the next implementation phase of the project. The meeting brought together project partners from across the ADRION region to reflect on completed activities, discuss upcoming outputs and strengthen cooperation around Green Public Procurement as an important driver of circular transition.
A key part of the meeting was dedicated to the outcomes of the Capacity Building Programme, which connected experts and practitioners from different countries and sectors. The programme supported knowledge exchange on Green Public Procurement and helped identify practical approaches that can be transferred across the region.
Circular Change contributed to the Capacity Building Programme by engaging Slovenian speakers and presenting practical case studies from different sectors. These real-life examples enriched the programme with implementation experience and transferable solutions, showing how Green Public Procurement can move from policy ambition to practice.
Towards a Transnational GPP Network
The partner meeting also focused on one of the key future results of the project: the establishment and operation of the Transnational GPP Network.
Partners discussed how the network can support long-term cooperation among public authorities, experts, institutions and other stakeholders involved in Green Public Procurement. The discussion highlighted the need for stronger links between project partners, national and regional actors, and wider European initiatives working on circular economy implementation.
In the next phase of the project, Circular Change will actively support the development of the Transnational GPP Network. A special focus will be placed on identifying opportunities to connect the network with the European Circular Economy Stakeholder Platform (ECESP)and other European circular economy initiatives.
Green Public Procurement at the EUSAIR Forum
On 19 May, the discussion continued at the EUSAIR Forum, where GPP2ADRION organised a thematic session dedicated to the role of Green Public Procurement in advancing circular economy across the Adriatic-Ionian region.
The session addressed how public procurement can become a stronger lever for circular transition — not only by setting sustainability criteria, but also by stimulating demand for circular products, services and business models. It also opened the discussion on how public institutions can use procurement strategically to support innovation, resilience and more sustainable value chains.
In Circular Change’s 10th anniversary year, the Skopje meetings also resonate with our growing focus on circular diplomacy: connecting regions, institutions and initiatives around shared transition goals. Through GPP2ADRION, ECESP and wider European networks, Circular Change continues to build bridges that help circular economy move from policy ambition to practical cooperation.
