Project CETAP convened its Thematic Working Groups Consultative Workshop at Hotel Park Doboj on the 22–23 October 2025, bringing together leading experts and institutional representatives to review findings from the Study on the Market Potential for the Application of Circular Economy Principles in the Management of Special Categories of Waste in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

This study, prepared under Activity 1.1, assesses opportunities to apply circular-economy principles in managing special waste categories and examines how Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) can align with the EU Waste Package and the Green Agenda for the Western Balkans. It identifies the country’s existing strengths and weaknesses while proposing scenarios for reform, innovation, and investment in sustainable waste-management systems.

A Foundation for Change

The report explores:

• Legislative and policy adaptations required for EU alignment.
  
• Scenarios for improving and expanding Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes.
  
• Models for collection and treatment of waste streams such as batteries, end-of-life vehicles, tyres, waste oil, paper and cardboard, construction and demolition waste, and electrical and electronic equipment.
  
• Adaptation of economic instruments, including new taxes, fees, and funding mechanisms.
  
• Financing models to support investment in circular-economy infrastructure.
  
• Concepts for a national waste-exchange platform, defining institutional roles and digital functionality.
  

The study provides a roadmap for policymakers and industry to strengthen circular practices across sectors while ensuring compliance with European standards.

Two Days of Collaboration and Insight

Over two days, CETAP experts presented the key findings and engaged in open consultation with members of the Thematic Working Group (TWG) — a body comprising representatives from national and entity ministries, local authorities, the private sector, academia, and international organisations. The TWG includes:

Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations BiH; Ministry of Spatial Planning, Civil Engineering and Ecology of Republika Srpska;
Ministry of Environment and Tourism of the Federation of BiH; Brčko District Department for Spatial Planning and Property Affairs;
Directorate for European Integration BiH; Environmental Funds from both Entities; the World Bank Group; UNDP; BASWA; ALBA Zenica; KIMTEC Eco; ZEOS Eco-system; KJKP “RAD” Sarajevo; the Chambers of Commerce of both Entities; ENOVA; APOSO; Mibral Construction Company; and the Association of Municipalities of Republika Srpska (ALVRS).

Expert Contributions

Day one began with E. Scott Crossett, Team Leader of Project CETAP, introducing the study and outlining the activity objectives. Presentations followed from:

• Harri Moora, Economic Expert – Policy in Circular Economy Transitioning
• Dr Ion Nae Musetoiu, Deputy Team Leader – Regulatory Environment in a Transitioning Economy
• Romano Ruggeri, joining remotely – Role of Regulatory Authorities in the Transition Process
• Elma Kavazović, Waste Management Expert – Stakeholder Mapping for Transition
• Draženko Bjelić, Waste Management Expert – Special Categories of Waste and Their Management
• Maria Krasteva, Waste Management Expert – Moving to Best Practice Models in Waste Management

Each session included structured consultations to gather insights and feedback from the TWG.

Day two featured:

• Harri Moora – Economic Instruments in Circular Economy Transitioning
• Mihail Asenov, Waste Economics Expert – Market Trends and Opportunities
• Simona Ghita, Extended Producer Responsibility Expert – EPR and Special Categories of Waste
• Scott Crossett, Public Awareness Expert – Public Awareness Strategy as a Tool for Transitioning
• Dr Paolo Bacca, Waste Financing Expert – Investment Opportunities and Financing Models for Change

The workshop concluded with Mr Crossett presenting CETAP’s strategic roadmap for transition, thanking all participants for their valuable contributions, and reaffirming the collaborative spirit driving Bosnia and Herzegovina’s circular-economy transformation.

Next Steps

Feedback from the two-day consultation has been documented and will inform the final revisions of the Activity 1.1 Report before publication. The outcomes of this collaborative process will serve as a cornerstone for future policy recommendations, pilot actions, and awareness initiatives implemented through Project CETAP.

Project CETAP extends its sincere appreciation to all members of the Thematic Working Group and partners whose expertise and engagement continue to shape a cleaner, more sustainable, and economically resilient Bosnia and Herzegovina.