European cities and regions convened at the European Committee of the Regions in Brussels for the HOOP Cities and Policy Conference, an event aimed at advancing the urban circular bioeconomy. The conference provided a platform for sharing experiences, successes, and challenges in implementing circular bioeconomy initiatives. Attendees engaged in discussions on policy drivers and identified regulatory barriers hindering the deployment of innovative solutions, with a spotlight on challenges posed by the EU Animal By-Products Regulation.
Policy drivers such as EU waste targets, public procurement of innovation, and financial support actions were discussed, underscoring the need for coordinated efforts to overcome barriers and accelerate progress. Additionally, representatives of the eight HOOP lighthouse cities and regions and of the HOOP Network of cities and Regions presented their activities related to separate collection of biowaste and urban circular bioeconomy projects, while parallel sessions facilitated knowledge exchange on key topics including funding options, stakeholder engagement, and technology adoption. As the HOOP project nears its conclusion in September 2024, discussions centred on its replication and legacy, with active involvement from 113 local authorities and waste managers across Europe. Attendees were invited to the project's final event and study tour in Bergen, Norway, on 11-12 September, signalling a commitment to sustaining momentum in the transition towards a circular bioeconomy.