The Alternate Minister of National Economy and Finance of Greece, Mr. Nikos Papathanasis, recently signed financing agreements for two projects of strategic importance within the framework of the Interreg IPA VI-A Cross-Border Cooperation Programme “Greece – Albania 2021–2027”.

The two projects, titled "Circular Economy Park" (CIRCLE) and a budget of 1.98 million euros, and "Introduction of digital tools for monitoring waste management in urban areas" (DIGITAL) and a budget of 2.49 million euros respectively, aim to accelerate the transition to a circular and resource-efficient economy in the two countries.

CIRCLE focuses on the management of agricultural and aquatic waste, including the creation of an Innovation and Circular Economy Center in Greece (Region of Western Macedonia) and the installation of waste treatment systems in Albania (Fier and Pogradec), with main objectives to raise public awareness, promote environmental education in schools, as well as train relevant stakeholders in the initiative to transform waste into high-value products for the benefit of local economies.

Accordingly, DIGITAL introduces smart waste management technologies through the installation of "Earn As You Throw" bins, equipped with sensors, magnetic cards and precision scales, in order to encourage citizens to separate recyclable materials at source and thus achieve higher recycling rates and reduce waste that ends up in landfills.

Overall, the two projects are expected to contribute to improving the quality of life for more than 290,000 residents in Eordeia, Corfu and Ioannina, as well as in Albania in Berat and Himara, promoting environmental awareness, creating green jobs and strengthening cross-border cooperation between local authorities, organizations and citizens.