On July 14, 2025, the ECO4ALL COST Action CA22124 hosted an engaging online webinar titled “Possible Models of People Empowerment in the Circular Economy.” The event brought together experts and researchers from Working Group 3 (WG3) to explore legal, social, and economic mechanisms that can empower individuals and communities within the circular economy framework.
The webinar welcomed approximately 50 participants and offered two hours of rich presentations, discussions, and interactive exchanges. Comparative approaches and cross-national insights were at the heart of the debate, fostering a lively environment for dialogue and shared learning.
The event opened with welcoming remarks and an agenda overview presented by WG2 Leader Isidora Milošević and WG3 Leader Maria Menshikova. Their introduction set the tone for a dynamic series of expert interventions focused on empowering people through sustainable and inclusive practices.
Cecilia Isola addressed the growing relevance of the “right to repair” in EU policy, emphasizing its role in enhancing consumer autonomy and extending product life cycles. Özlem Tüzüner discussed how defective goods provisions in Turkish consumer law contribute to waste reduction and reinforce circular consumption. Giulia Chiaraluce tackled the issue of “greenwashing” and emphasized the importance of empowering consumers to navigate green claims in the agri-food sector. Finally, Danijela Pantović shared insights on how circular tourism can serve as a transformative tool for empowering rural communities and supporting green transitions.
The webinar concluded with an open Q&A session that allowed participants to reflect on the diverse perspectives and deepen the dialogue on people-centered approaches to the circular economy.
This event is part of ECO4ALL’s ongoing effort to foster collaboration across countries and disciplines, working toward a circular economy that protects consumers, promotes sustainability, and leaves no one behind.
