On 6–7 July 2026, the 7th Core Group Meeting (CG7/GP3) of COST Action CA22124 – ECO4ALL (EU Circular Economy Network for All: Consumer Protection through Reducing, Reusing and Repairing) was successfully held in Dubrovnik, Croatia, in a hybrid format.
The meeting brought together the Action leadership, including Chair Prof. Olesea Plotnic, WG1 Leader Prof. Kosjenka Dumančić, WG2 Leader and Grant Awarding Coordinator (GAC) Dr Isidora Milošević, and WG3 Leader Dr Maria Menshikova, to review the progress of the Action and define the strategic priorities for the coming months.
The Core Group (CG) is the executive body of a COST Action. In accordance with the COST Annotated Rules, it supports the Action Chair in coordinating the implementation of the Action, monitoring progress, preparing strategic decisions, and ensuring the successful delivery of the approved Work and Budget Plan.
During the two-day meeting, the Core Group reviewed the implementation of the Third Grant Period (GP3), including updates on the activities of the Working Groups, grant awarding, science communication, dissemination, and the overall development of the ECO4ALL network. Participants also discussed the organisation of upcoming online and in-person meetings, as well as future scientific publications aimed at increasing the Action’s academic impact.
Particular attention was devoted to the preparation of the next Work and Budget Plan (WBP) and the planning of activities for the next Grant Period. The meeting also marked the beginning of the organisational preparations for the final ECO4ALL Conference, including the establishment of its Scientific and Organising Committees, ensuring that the Action’s achievements will be effectively disseminated and its long-term impact strengthened.
The Dubrovnik meeting once again demonstrated the importance of effective governance, strategic planning, and international cooperation within COST Actions. Through regular Core Group meetings, ECO4ALL continues to strengthen collaboration among its leadership and advance innovative solutions for consumer protection and the circular economy across Europe.
Today, ECO4ALL connects a growing international network of more than 600 researchers, academics, policymakers, practitioners and stakeholders from over 50 countries, fostering interdisciplinary research and promoting sustainable and consumer-centred circular economy policies.
