The EUROCITIES Ljubljana conference took place on 15-17 November 2017 with the circular economy as its main theme. There were approximately 700 participants in attendance from across Europe. Ljubljana Mayor Zoran Janković underscored the importance of cities in ensuring the quality of life for their citizens and for future generations, and highlighted the two main challenges which are currently being faced: climate change on the one side, wars and terrorism on the other. The Mayor added that these challenges can only be managed through cooperation.

Daniël Termont, President of EUROCITIES and Mayor of Gent, emphasised the future significance of transitioning to the circular economy and highlighted that cities have more ambition in this area than countries. He added that, in the future, cities will have to reorganise themselves and cooperate with each other to attain the set sustainable goals. Termont stressed that "cooperation is key," and added that cities are willing to learn from each other and mutually adopt good practices to help their citizens.

Conference participants were also greeted by the European Commissioner for Transport, Violeta Bulc, who addressed the participants by stressing the importance of good cooperation between cities. She added that she is interested in hearing proposals from cities and wants to open a dialogue with them, ending her address with the words that the circular economy is the right path for the future, but that we have to be aware that it is in the hands of consumers which is why awareness has to be raised among them and available options presented to direct them toward the right path.

The Secretary General of EUROCITIES, Ana Lisa Boni, specifically thanked Mayor Zoran Janković for transforming Ljubljana into a sustainable jewel. Among other things, she emphasised that 2017 represents the door into the future and that it is important to react to the changes being witnessed, while stressing that the European Union has to work together with the cities and their residents. "Together, let's shape our future!"

Circular economy good practice

Study visits followed during which the conference participants were able to see cases of good practice in the area of the circular economy, in Ljubljana. They visited the Reuse Centre, the Celica Hostel, Hotel Park, RCERO Ljubljana and an apartment designed on the basis of the zero-waste principle.

The Reuse Centre Ljubljana allows members of the public to take their unwanted goods to be reused or repurposed. At the centre, products are prepared for reuse and then sold in the centre's Green Store, where unique products made from various recycled materials can also be found. By buying at the centre, people save money, conserve natural resources and support local jobs. The project, in which the public waste management company Snaga and some faculties in Ljubljana work together, aims to highlight the traps of fast fashion and expose its dark side. "It's not about fashion, it's about people" was one of the major points emphasised in the discussion, as the main aim of the project is to offer individuals, especially teenagers, a different, better option and by doing so promote the significance of the circular economy.

Janez Potočnik, Co-chair of the UNEP International Resource Panel and former European Commissioner for Environment, presented the role of the circular economy in the resource story and cities. Among other issues he stressed that there is no sustainable future without sustainable cities, and he encouraged conference participants to act as leaders.

Celica Hostel, once a prison, is now one of the most intriguing hostels in the world and a true landmark of Ljubljana. Prisoners were replaced by local and international artists who, for a decade, breathed new life into the former military prison.

Hotel Park, the only hotel in the centre of Ljubljana positioned in the middle of a park, is committed to sustainable development, promoting respect for the environment and connecting with the local community. 'Reduce, reuse and recycle' is one of the main principles of its work and since Ljubljana was European Green Capital in 2016, special attention has been paid to regional parks.

Ljubljana Regional Waste Management Centre (RCERO Ljubljana) is the largest environmental cohesion project in the country, responsible for one third of Slovenia's waste.

EUROCITIES Awards for excellence in the circular economy

The winners of 2017 EUROCITIES were awarded in three standard categories - cooperation, innovation and participation - linked to the theme of the annual conference, which this year considered the impact of the circular economy on cities.
The winning projects were:
• for Cooperation: Munich's 'Halle 2 - Munich's second-hand store as the nucleus of the local circular economy'
• for Innovation: Brussels Capital Region's 'Be circular - be Brussels - call for projects for enterprises'
• for Participation: Gothenburg's 'Smart map'.

In July, nine cities were shortlisted for the awards across the three categories: Brussels Capital Region, Munich and Tampere - Cooperation; Almere, Brussels Capital Region and Lille Métropole - Innovation; and Antwerp, Brighton Hove and Gothenburg - Participation.

2018: Edinburgh

Next year, Edinburgh will host the EUROCITIES conference and Lord Provost of Edinburgh, Frank Ross, said the main theme will be Creative Competitive Cities. He stressed the importance of cooperation between cities and added that the aim of the main theme is to highlight that creativity and culture raise the quality of life at all levels. He also presented a young conference ambassador, as 2018 is Scotland's Year of Young People and therefore their proposals and ideas will also be heard at the conference.

Sources: www.eurocities.eu, www.eurocities2017.eu