Special emphasis was placed on the Transnational Strategy for the Circular Transition of Women Entrepreneurs, presented by Mariya Zlateva, Coordinator at RAPIV, as well as on the Policy Learning Centre and Virtual Toolbox, presented by Diana Nagy from the Hungarian Economic Development Agency. These results demonstrate how strategic planning, knowledge exchange, and practical tools can support the better integration of women entrepreneurs into policies related to the circular economy, digitalisation, and competitiveness.

The afternoon session began on an emotional and upbeat note, with recognition of DARA’s historic victory at Eurovision 2026 with “Bangaranga”. Participants from more than 12 countries across the Danube Region embraced the Bangaranga spirit and danced together, bringing energy, smiles, and a strong sense of community to the event.

The second thematic session focused on learning, skills development, collaboration networks, and mentoring. The WE.Circular Learning Network and Training Programme were presented as key initiatives designed to support women entrepreneurs by providing access to knowledge, practical resources, training, and transnational exchange. The session also featured the Ecosys4you and IMPACTA initiatives, which provided additional perspectives on youth entrepreneurship, mentoring, and support for women in business.

The third session focused on business support measures and regional impact. It presented the WE.Circular Labs and the circular business models developed within the project, demonstrating how circular economy concepts can be put into practice by SMEs and women entrepreneurs. The session also featured examples from B2GreenHub and the Office of the Regional Government of Styria, highlighting the circular and digital transition and the role of public administration in supporting these processes.

One of the most significant moments at the end of the first day was a special Certificate of Recognition ceremony. The certificates were presented to strategic partners and stakeholders who supported WE.Circular throughout the project’s implementation and contributed to the achievement of its results. Among those recognised were the Coordinators of Priority Area 8 “Competitiveness of Enterprises” of the EU Strategy for the Danube Region (EUSDR), representatives of public institutions and ministries, business support organisations, experts, and companies that made a significant contribution to the project’s impact.

On the Bulgarian side, Certificates of Recognition were awarded to the Economic Policies Department of the Ministry of Economy and Industry for its support for policy dialogue and the strategic development of the project; Dilyan Popov from the Smart Varna Foundation for his active contribution to the entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystem; Veselena Marcheva, SizeSense — winner of the WE.Circular Innovation Contest in Bulgaria; and Darina Sotirova, Shen Gums — a finalist in the contest, in recognition of their participation, commitment, and contribution to promoting innovative and sustainable entrepreneurial solutions.

On 21 May 2026, a final stakeholder group meeting was also held, during which project partners and participants validated some of the most important results of WE.Circular’s overall activities. These included the project’s strategic outputs, the WE.Circular Labs, circular business models, learning and networking tools, as well as recommendations for their future application by public institutions, business support organisations, and innovation ecosystems.

The WE.Circular project placed a strong emphasis on the need for more practical, accessible, and inclusive support for women entrepreneurs in the circular economy. By establishing a transnational network, developing strategic and practical tools, piloting circular business models, and actively engaging stakeholders, the project contributed to building a stronger ecosystem for women’s entrepreneurship across the Danube Region.

WE.Circular was more than a project – it became a community of partners, experts, institutions, and entrepreneurs united by a shared goal: to make the circular economy more accessible, applicable, and sustainable for women entrepreneurs.

RAPIV would like to express its gratitude to all partners, speakers, stakeholders, strategic partners, and supporting organisations that contributed to the successful implementation of the project and to shaping the circular future celebrated by WE.Circular in Graz.

Together, we are shaping a circular future.