MedWaves has published a new policy paper, “Weaving a Just Transition to Circular Economy through territorial cooperation: Policy Recommendations from the Innovative Sustainable Economy Mission“, developed within the framework of the Interreg Euro-MED Programme Innovative Sustainable Economy Mission.
The publication explores the role of the Just Transition (JT) in strengthening the shift towards a circular economy, highlighting how environmental sustainability, social inclusion, and territorial cohesion must progress together.
The document analyses eight thematic projects of the ISE Mission under the Interreg Euro-MED Programme, focusing on four key dimensions of the Just Transition. The analysis shows that many projects already integrate concrete elements of this approach, particularly through stakeholder engagement, the promotion of innovation ecosystems, and territorial cooperation.
At the same time, the paper highlights the need to further strengthen the integration of social dimensions into circular economy policies, including through more effective monitoring systems and greater attention to long-term socio-economic impacts.
Among the main recommendations are strengthening participatory governance, adopting territorial strategies capable of reducing structural and institutional gaps, anticipating employment and skills needs, and fostering greater synergies between European policies and funding instruments.
The ISE Mission of the Interreg Euro-MED Programme therefore confirms the role of territorial cooperation programmes as true laboratories for policy innovation towards a fairer and more inclusive circular transition across the Mediterranean.