EU Green Week 2025 – Key Topics and Takeaways from Brussels

We’ve just wrapped up a few incredibly inspiring days at #EUGreenWeek in Brussels! Last week, Agnieszka Sznyk, President of INNOWO, took part in one of the key events dedicated to the green transition in Europe. She brought a valuable perspective from Central and Eastern Europe as well as from small and medium-sized enterprises, emphasizing the importance of a circular economy driven by active citizen participation.

🔑 Key takeaways from the discussion:

• SMEs – the driving force of circularity: Small and medium-sized enterprises are the backbone of circular innovation in Europe. Unfortunately, large companies still too often receive the majority of financial support. We need a reallocation of EU funds in favor of those already making a tangible local impact — even if they don’t have the biggest marketing budgets.

• Finance and fairness: Repair costs remain too high, and current tax systems do not support sustainable services. To genuinely scale up circular practices, repairs must become affordable and easily accessible.

• Citizen engagement is essential, not optional: Without visible benefits for citizens, real change won’t happen. We need education, incentives, and infrastructure that foster participation — especially in regions just beginning their green transition.

• What we measure matters: We need indicators that reflect not only material flows but also the social and economic impacts — particularly in communities vulnerable to exclusion.

• Policy alone isn’t enough – solidarity is key: A circular transition must be just and equitable. That means leveling the playing field, supporting local leaders, and narrowing the innovation gap between Eastern and Western Europe.

⚠️ Hard truths that were finally emphasized:

• New raw materials are still cheaper than recycled ones

• Repair remains a luxury, not the norm

• Greenwashing and lobbying distort the market

• Genuine collaboration is rare — but essential

INNOWO also proudly presented its initiatives under Horizon Europe-funded projects:

• Nymphe – a project aimed at tackling environmental pollution through the development of innovative bioremediation solutions.

• #ALL4BIOREM - a joint initiative bringing together 10 European projects to advance bioremediation technologies and promote sustainable practices.

Learn more about the project: https://www.nympheproject.eu/

Let’s work together toward a circular economy that is local, inclusive, and just — not just green on paper.