In December 2015, the European Commission adopted a Circular Economy Package. . It is estimated that the transition to a Circular Economy can save the EU €600 billion by 2030 and create 170,000 new jobs by 20356. To this end, Europe is dedicating funding of over €650 million from the Horizon 2020 programme and €5.5 million from structural funds. Slovenia can take advantage of the circular transition to strengthen international competitiveness and preserve the quality of life. One of the key arguments for the necessity of a circular transitions in Slovenia is self-sufficiency in providing raw materials. Slovenia is at a disadvantage in this regard, since on average, the country imports 71% of raw materials consumed domestically.

The strategy focuses on 4 priority areas, evaluated as those with high potential to strengthen material and resources efficiency, preserve and extended the value of materials, products or services, develop circular business models, strengthen energy efficiency, close off material flows, prevent waste generation, integrate green public procurement, modify patterns of use, and strengthen the circular culture:

1. Food System

2. Forest-based Value Chains

3. Manufacturing Industry

4. Mobility

To visualize the process, the Roadmap presents the Circular

Triangle model. The triangle outlines three interconnected fields that together create the condition for a systemic Circular Transition. Each of the fundamentals has a core that serves as the main stimulus for change:

• Circular Economy – from linear to circular business

models/companies (companies as the core)

• Circular Change – comprehensive policies to support the

transition/public sector (public sector as the core)

• Circular Culture – a reflection on values and new narrative/citizens (citizens as the core)

The goals of the Roadmap are: 

1. Outline the potentials that establish Slovenia as the leader

of the transition into the Circular Economy in Central and Eastern Europe; 

2. Involve stakeholders to identify and connect circular practices;

3. Create recommendations for the Government of the Republic of Slovenia to facilitate a more efficient transition; and

4. Identify circular opportunities for the strengthening of

international economic competitiveness and quality of life for all.