On 30 April 2025, the online kick-off meeting of the Thematic Working Group on Law and Policies was successfully held within the CETAP project – “Technical Assistance for Improved Utilization of Materials from Waste through Separate Collection, Reuse and Recycling Based on the Principles of Circular Economy.”

The meeting gathered legal professionals, representatives of institutions at various levels of government, civil society organizations, the academic community, and international partners. The focus of the meeting was to exchange views on the challenges and priorities related to aligning the legal framework in Bosnia and Herzegovina with the principles of circular economy.

Participants were introduced to the CETAP project, its structure, objectives, and its expected contribution to improving the waste management system in the country. The roles and working methods of the Thematic Working Group on Law and Policies were presented, as well as the draft Engagement Plan that will guide future work.

The discussion highlighted key obstacles in the current legal framework, opportunities for improving secondary legislation, and the need for better cross-sectoral coordination. Group members agreed that legal and institutional frameworks are fundamental to successful circular economy implementation and committed to focusing future activities on drafting practical legal recommendations and ensuring enforceability.

In the coming period, the Thematic Working Group on Law and Policies will actively work on finalizing the Engagement Plan, developing proposals for amendments to relevant legislation, and providing legal support to other thematic groups within the CETAP project.

We thank all participants for their engagement and valuable contributions, and we look forward to continuing our joint work on strengthening the legislative foundation for sustainable waste management in Bosnia and Herzegovina.