On September 30, 2024, the kick-off meeting for the project UniGR-CIRKLA took place at Trier University—a significant step towards establishing a cross-border center for circular economy focused on metals and materials, funded by the European Union as part of the Interreg Greater Region program.
Prof. Dr. Eva Martha Eckkrammer, President of Trier University, opened the event, emphasizing the forward-thinking role of this interdisciplinary project for the economic development of the Greater Region:
"Creating a sustainable circular economy is a key challenge of our time. Collaboration across disciplines and national borders creates synergies, enabling the Greater Region to become a leader in resource and waste management. I am very pleased that the University of Trier is part of this initiative, and I am excited about the innovative approaches and solutions that will be developed within the framework of UniGR-CIRKLA."
In their keynote address titled "Are we circular?" Prof. Dr.-Ing. Eric Pirard and Philippe Giaro, representing the University of Liège as the lead partner, raised awareness among the audience about fundamental geopolitical issues related to the circular economy.
This was followed by an interactive workshop on the challenges and opportunities for creating a circular-oriented system in the Greater Region, which highlighted the enriching diversity of ideas, perspectives, and expertise.
The project team (Universität Lüttich, RPTU Kaiserslautern-Landau, Universität des Saarlandes, htw saar, Universität Trier, Université de Lorraine, Universität Luxemburg, UniGR – Universität der Großregion, CRITT TJFU) thanks all participants for their valuable contributions and looks forward with optimism to the coming months of intensive collaboration.
All stakeholders, companies, scientists, and citizens interested in the topic of the circular economy are warmly invited to join the project’s activities.
Together, we can tackle the current environmental challenges and advance the circular economy in the Greater Region!
