EICEE – Western Balkan Eco Innovation and Circular economy Ecosystem

Date

2023 - 2026

Donor

European Union

Partners

Association for Democratic Prosperity – Zid from Montenegro (Coordinator); partners: ARNO- N.Macedonia; CEDRA-Croatia, Deli Center -Serbia, , Lens - Kosovo, Green Building Council -Bosnia and Hercegovina

Keywords

repair, right to repair, social entrepreneurship, green entrepreneurship, green economy, social economy, circular economy, CSOs, research, economic development, social enterprises

The project “EICEE – Western Balkan Eco Innovation and Circular economy Ecosystem” is supported by European Union through call EU Civil Society Facility and Media Programme in favor of the Western Balkans and Turkey for 2021-2023 (IPA III).

Overall objective of this project is strengthening capacities and engagement of civil society organizations in policy development leading to green and digital transition in WB region. The primary value of the action is set with a defined impact on the capacities of the social economy actors and the perception of the industry and the public sector on the use of resources in a sustainable way and based on the concept of eco-design.

Sustainable economic development is one of the challenges which the entire social system is facing, not only a challenge for one of the WB countries. The current economic model in the region is still based on “take-make-replace.” It depletes our resources, pollutes our environment, and damages biodiversity and climate. It also makes countries, for majority production, dependent on resources from elsewhere. To address these problems, in the EU have aim to move to a more circular economy model based on more sustainable products. Western Balkan has to follow that route. Addressing the environmental impact of products throughout their life-cycle and extending their lifetime will lead to more sustainable, circular and more resource-efficient products. More sustainable products such as electronics, furniture and textiles will contribute to the resilience of the economy. Through research work, the regional research team will develop a set of recommendations as response to identified challenges

Highlights: Officially opened on April 10, 2025, the Repair Center Nothing New is a multifunctional community space developed by ARNO to promote sustainable lifestyles through repair, reuse, and community learning. More than just a place to fix broken items, the center serves as a vibrant platform for community engagement, offering repair services, educational workshops, and events centered around environmental awareness and the circular economy.