Over 100 researchers, experts, and policy advocates from across Europe gathered at Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iași on 9–10 May 2025 for the ECO4ALL Mid-Term International Conference, held under COST Action CA22124. With the theme “Challenges, Processes, and Policies for a Circular Economy That Works for Consumers,” the hybrid-format conference brought vibrant discussions and bold ideas to the forefront of Europe’s circular transition.
Day one opened with a Joint Plenary Session moderated by Prof. Kosjenka Dumančić (ECO4ALL Leader WG1) and co-hosted with the Jean Monnet Chair EUFIRE-RE, followed by the ECO4ALL Special Session, featuring welcoming remarks from Prof. Olesea Plotnic (Chair of ECO4ALL), Prof. Mihaela Tofan (Vice Chair), and Prof. Mihaela Onofrei (Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iași). The session included keynote addresses from Isidora Milošević (University of Belgrade, Serbia) on empowering consumers in the circular transition, Maria Menshikova (Universitas Mercatorum, Italy) on the role of employees in sustainable systems, Demetris F. Lekkas (University of the Aegean, Greece) on food waste reduction in the hospitality sector, Antonis Zorpas (Open University of Cyprus) on the environmental impact of fast fashion, and Natalia Zamfir (Moldova State University) on regulatory flexibility as a tool for consumer benefit.
The afternoon session, moderated by Anton Sorin, deepened the dialogue with research presentations on legal frameworks, consumer behavior, green public procurement, sustainable product design, and the Right-to-Repair Directive—each adding a valuable dimension to ECO4ALL’s mission.
On the second day, the conference unfolded into eight parallel thematic sessions exploring policies and regulation, consumer awareness, value chains, industrial innovation, climate change, urban governance, circular models in emerging economies, and financial tools for green transformation. From legislation to lived experience, from industrial applications to educational innovation, these sessions reflected the depth, diversity, and determination of the ECO4ALL network.
Hosted by Romania’s oldest university, the event was more than a conference—it was a collective commitment to co-creating a fair, inclusive, and sustainable circular future for all.
