Conference - Strengthening the Circular Economy in Serbia - Nordic Experiences

The embassies of Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden in Serbia, under the auspices of the Nordic Council of Ministers, organized a series of events on the topic of the circular economy, in Novi Sad, Kragujevac, Niš and Belgrade. The aim of the conferences was to raise awareness of key local partners about the importance of the circular economy, strengthen the determination to continue implementing the principles of circular economy in Serbia, and transferring Nordic experiences and knowledge in this important area. As pioneers of sustainable development and the circular economy, the Nordic countries fully share the European Commission's vision of a European Green Deal and a greener, non-toxic and more efficient production process. Niš conference was organized in partnership with the City of Niš Office for Local Economic Development, Niš Science and Technology Park, Nordic Business Alliance, National Alliance for Local Economic Development, Serbian Chamber of Commerce. The conference presented positive experiences positive impacts of the circular economy on environmental protection, innovation, economic growth and general well-being of people. The circular economy is a system in which everyone participates, from the state, large producers, all the way to small businessmen and citizens. The current situation in cities in Serbia regarding wastewater, green waste and sludge was discussed as well as challenges and opportunities through the presentation of the Swedish EISP - Environmental Infrastructure Support Project. The City of Niš, in cooperation with the Ministry of Environmental Protection, the EU and Sweden, is preparing for the construction of a wastewater treatment plant. The plant will prevent the discharge of 30 million tons of wastewater into Nišava River every year, and through the treatment of sludge, the bio-gas produced in the plant will be able to be used for the production of electricity and heat. Elina Ojala, Environmental Manager of the City of Lahti (Finland) spoke about how the City of Lahti became the Green Capital of Europe in 2021. The many years of complete transformation of the Finnish city present a clear example to all European cities of how to take care of the environment. One of the most original things in Lahti is the carbon trading model. Residents sign up through a mobile app that gives them carbon dioxide limits that they will adhere to every week. If they stay within the limits, they are rewarded, which is a great incentive to use public transport or bicycles. Through the application, citizens earn benefits and services in the form of bus tickets and discounts on local products. In the coming years, increasing attention will be focused on bio-gas, bio-waste and green waste in Serbia by working on finding solutions at the local level that contribute to the circular economy and reduce the disposal of green waste in landfills. This was discussed in the panel Smart City and Circular Economy: how to turn green waste and waste sludge into energy and resources for the benefit of citizens and the local economy and Nordic countries - with Nordic companies and municipalities - have many years of experience in innovative solutions and investments at the local level.