The European Union, through DG NEAR, has launched the “Green and Circular Economy in the Southern Neighbourhood” programme. This initiative aims to focus on three levels of intervention:

macro, meso and micro. Expertise France has been entrusted with implementing the first component at macro level, entitled: Green Forward – Advancing Policy Frameworks in the Mediterranean. This action involves strengthening and supporting regional and national policy framework that promote a Green and Circular Economy (GCE).

This 48-months project, with a budget of €4 million, aims to advance the cause of GCE in the Southern Neighbourhood, by fostering economic opportunities and job creation.

Furthermore, the project is willing to encourage policy convergence within the region, drawing upon principles of the European Green Deal, and eager to contribute to Sustainable Development Goal 12, related to sustainable consumption and production patterns.

The main objective of the project is to develop and support sound policies and legislation that tip the scales of Green and Circular Economy practices.

We have identified two main outcomes, accompanied by a set of outputs to successfully carry out this project.

Outcome 1:  Regional public authorities share a common vision of inclusive GCE, inspired by EU best practices.

• Output 1.1:  Regional stakeholders are sensitized and informed about GCE opportunities and EU initiatives.
• Output 1.2:  Political dialogue is encouraged at regional level between policymakers and EU counterparts.
• Output 1.3:  Good practices are shared among stakeholders at regional level.

Outcome 2: Principles of inclusive GCE, inspired by EU policy framework, are integrated and established at both national and regional levels.

• Output 2.1: Roadmaps are designed to integrate GCE principles into public policy and regulatory framework of Southern neighbourhood countries.
• Output 2.2: Countries are supported in implementing these roadmaps based on identified priorities.