Across Europe, cities and regions recognise the importance of the circular economy, but turning plans into action is often a challenge. Governance structures, internal coordination and citizen engagement often determine whether circular strategies remain on paper or become operational reality.  

Wiltz and Miercurea Ciuc, though different in geography and context, share a clear goal: making circular economy principles concrete for administrations, local businesses, and citizens. Their experiences complement each other: one brings a structured governance framework, the other a strong community-driven culture of reuse and local production.

Figure 1: Wiltz (provided by the city) 

For over a decade, Wiltz has developed a structured circular economy approach. Its focus: stable administration, trained staff across departments, and applying circular principles to concrete public building and urban development projects. Circular economy is now a transversal working method, not just a policy area, thanks to tools and internal capacity built progressively.  

Miercurea Ciuc has delivered multiple sectoral actions, from energy efficiency and sustainable mobility to improved waste collection and local product networks. Joining the Twinning Programme, the city aims to connect these initiatives through structured governance. Its strength lies in its strong culture of community engagement, repair traditions, and local food systems, showing how the circular economy gains social meaning when rooted in daily life.

A key theme of the collaboration is aligning governance and culture. Wiltz  institutionalises circular thinking with a Charter, methodologies and training programmes Miercurea Ciuc shows how traditions,  local systems), and citizen participation, make circular economy socially meaningful.   

Figure 2: Miercurea Ciuc (provided by the city)  

Rather than copying solutions, both cities adapt insights to their own context: Wiltz explores new ways to involve citizens more actively, while Miercurea Ciuc strengthens internal coordination and political support for future circular projects.  

For both partners, success will be measured not by a single initiative but by strengthened capacity, clearer responsibilities, tested practices, knowledge exchange and more confident decision-making. The goal: approaches ready to implement in strategy, citizen engagement or in concrete projects.  

This collaboration demonstrates how cities and regions, regardless of size or starting point, can accelerate their circular transition by collaborating with peers who offer complementary experience and shared ambitions.  

CCRI Twinning applications are open on a rolling basis. After applying, the CCRI team matches you with a peer facing similar challenges and ambitions. Together, you start with a facilitated kick-off exchange, then shape your own learning path.  

Apply to become a Twin: Application form