Analysis of local self-governments capacities for creation of preconditions for the transition towards circular economy - with recommendations for practical policies at local level

Published on February 11, 2022

This research, together with accompanying recommendations, is a promotion of circular economy principles towards all local self-government units (LSGs) in Serbia who are interested in creating preconditions for the circular model of the local economy and facilitating the transition process to a more sustainable society.

The basic goal of circular economy (CE) is the tendency towards sustainable use of natural resources and elimination of wastes by putting them back into the production process. Consumption is integral and very important part of the circular economy circle. LSGs in Serbia were able to take part in numerous activities exchanging experiences and practices in promotion of utility services at local level, as well as environmental protection policies. One of the intentions of the Analysis (composed before the adoption of the “Green deal”) was to, among others, answer the following questions: which role local self-government has in the process of transition to the circular economy model; whether and to what extent current condition of local economies facilitates implementation of CE principles; and which preconditions local self-government needs to meet to support transition to CE principles.

The circular economy is one of the main topics for European policymakers, especially when it comes to environmental protection, economic development, and overall social progress. However, it appears that the genetically accepted opinion of experts and practitioners is that in Serbia circular economy is still a relatively new, insufficiently familiar, promoted, and discussed topic. This statement may apply both to decision- and policymakers, and business entities and citizens. According to the same opinion, such type of statement is especially embedded at local level.

The Analysis comprises two parts, one of which is based on extensive analysis of a broad base of literature on circular economy available on the Internet while the other half comprises of research of familiarity and positions of representatives of local self-governments (LSGs) and public utility companies (PUCs) on circular economy, conducted in the form of and survey questionnaire and targeted interviews.