The cluster visit on Sustainable Waste Management, Circular Economy and Green Municipal Development will take place from 12 to 19 November 2026 in Slovenia.
CEP is hosting a cluster visit for approximately 20 representatives of Ukrainian municipalities, including mayors, deputy mayors, municipal department heads, utility company representatives and technical experts. Particular attention will be given to representatives of municipalities from the Samar region, who are participating in the pilot Waste Management Capacity Building Programme.
The programme will focus on presenting Slovenian experience, good practices and practical solutions in sustainable waste management and the circular economy. Through expert presentations, discussions and workshops, participants will explore the development of Slovenia’s waste management system, its legislative framework, the role of EU Cohesion Policy and approaches to planning and implementing municipal infrastructure projects. Dedicated sessions will also support Ukrainian municipalities in identifying local challenges and developing their own project ideas.
An important part of the visit will consist of study visits to Slovenian waste management and circular economy facilities, including RCERO Ljubljana, the Zarta Circular Economy Park and the wastewater treatment plant in Kranj, the KNOF reuse centre in Krško, RCERO Celje and the Celje District Heating Plant. These visits will provide participants with first-hand insight into different approaches to waste treatment, regional cooperation between municipalities, resource efficiency, reuse and the integration of circular economy principles into local development.
The visit will conclude with a concluding conference, “Sustainable Local Environment and Stories of Success in Slovenian-Ukrainian Partnerships“, on 19 November 2026 in Ljubljana. The event will bring together Slovenian and Ukrainian representatives and experts to discuss the role of sustainable waste management in Ukraine’s recovery and green development. A panel discussion entitled “Sustainable Waste Management as a Driver of Green Development: Lessons from Ukraine and Slovenia” will explore how international cooperation, municipal partnerships and development assistance can contribute to strengthening local waste management systems and supporting Ukraine’s reconstruction.
The initiative contributes to CEP’s broader support for Ukraine by strengthening the capacities of Ukrainian municipalities, facilitating knowledge exchange and fostering practical cooperation between Slovenian and Ukrainian local authorities. By sharing Slovenian experience and connecting municipalities with relevant expertise, the visit aims to support the development of sustainable local solutions as part of Ukraine’s recovery and European integration process.
The Recovery and Reconstruction in Ukraine programme is supported by the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of the Republic of Slovenia through the Slovenian Aid & Partnerships programme.