The project was implemented within the EU Horizon program (https://greenovate-europe.eu/ ). The main goal of the project is to create an application model for financing the transition of municipal infrastructure (energy supply, water supply, sewage, waste) to circularity.

The results of the EDUCIRC2022 project research have shown that the issue of infrastructure is of particular importance for citizens of rural areas in Serbia, with the availability of public water supply, sewage and waste collection in rural areas of Serbia not at a satisfactory level, so funding in this area is necessary. Reviewing the results of a project that deals with models of financing for municipal infrastructure and gaining insight into examples from other countries is therefore of particular interest for the project being implemented in Serbia.

Bertold Baurek-Karlic (Venionaire capital AG, Vienna, Austria) pointed out that the number of inhabitants who use (or should use) municipal infrastructure should be taken into account, which poses a particular challenge for planning and implementation. Migration from rural to urban areas, as well as between countries, further complicates this issue. It was generally emphasized that there is public acceptance of sustainable development and the circular model, but the willingness to invest in this direction is still low, especially in the municipal sector.

Guenther Dobrauz-Saldapenna (Excelixis capital AG, Zurich, Switzerland) reminded the participants of the fact that a certain form of circular economy has been used throughout history, especially in rural areas. He drew attention to the particularly large problem of waste and the insufficient recycling. He pointed out the need to respect the biological cycle in the process of creating a technological cycle, to the maximum extent possible. The students were introduced to the financing options, which include a prior selection of projects.

Emma Pipó Ollé (Inveniam group, Barcelona, ​​Spain) placed special emphasis on the problem of availability and risk perception of financing for circular economy projects, as investors and companies are often unfamiliar with the concept of circularity and show some resistance to financing these projects. Further education of local governments on the justification for investing in municipal infrastructure that should be based on a circular model is necessary.

The event was attended by 41 participants from different countries of the European Union.

Prof. Dr. Mirjana Radovanović attended the event on behalf of the project team.