Call for Host Applications Now Open

The Circular Economy Hotspot community is pleased to launch the open call for applications to host the 2027 European edition of the Circular Economy Hotspot.

This is a unique opportunity for national and regional governments and organizations across Europe to highlight their achievements in circular economy—ranging from innovative industrial solutions and business models to regional and national policy leadership. Hosting a Hotspot is a chance to strengthen international visibility, attract global stakeholders, and accelerate the circular transition locally and beyond.

This Year’s and Upcoming Hosts

In 2025, the European Hotspot will be hosted by Slovenia in Ljubljana (10–12 September), alongside additional regional Hotspot editions in Ethiopia, Mexico, and Taiwan.
Hungary has already been selected to host the 2026 European Hotspot.

Application Process

Interested candidates are invited to submit their proposals by 27 August 2025, 23:59 BST via the official application form:

Submit your application here →

Applicants are kindly asked to indicate whether they are applying to host the European edition of the Hotspot in 2027. Submissions will be reviewed by a panel composed of representatives from the Slovenian Government and previous Hotspot hosts.

All applicants will be notified of the outcome by 3 September 2025.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to pitch their proposal during a special session on the morning of 10 September 2025 in Ljubljana. Each organisation will have 10 minutes for their presentation and 5 minutes for questions.

The selected host for 2027 will be announced during the opening ceremony of the Circular Economy Hotspot Slovenia 2025 on the afternoon of 11 September 2025.

About the Circular Economy Hotspot

Since its launch in the Netherlands in 2016, the Circular Economy Hotspot has grown into a globally recognized platform showcasing practical circular economy solutions. The event has been hosted across Europe—in Luxembourg, Scotland, Belgium, Catalonia, North Rhine-Westphalia, Dublin, and Wales—and internationally in Canada, Brazil, Chile, Nigeria, and South Africa.

Each year, the selected host organizes a multi-day program, of site visits, presentations, and networking activities that demonstrate real-life circular practices in industry, governance, and civil society.