UNIDO, United Nations Industrial Development Organization, and the Ministry of Environment of the Slovak Republic in cooperation with the Ministry of Economy of the Slovak Republic organised an International Conference on Circular Economy in Automotive Industry on November 6 and 7 in Bratislava. The conference was organized with, Automotive Industry Association of the Slovak Republic (ZAP) and the Embassies of The Netherlands and Norway in Slovakia in support the event.
The conference had its focus on innovations that support the transition to circular economy in the value chains of the automotive industry. At the same the presence of representatives from Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Slovenia, Romania, the Netherlands, Norway, Finland, France and Germany and representatives from the European Union, European Business Associations and Institutes created a platform for exchange of ideas, best practices and new partnerships among businesses from Slovakia and other European countries.
The automotive industry is crucial for Europe’s prosperity. The sector provides jobs for 12 million people and accounts for 4% of the EU’s GDP. The EU is among the world’s biggest producers of motor vehicles and the sector represents the largest private investor in research and development (R&D). The Automotive industry in Slovakia makes up of 43% of value-added to the Slovak Economy [check]. The production of cars pro/capita in Slovakia is highest in the world.
As a senior circular economy advisor to UNIDO Freek van Eijk, MD of Acceleratio, co-organised and co-moderated the programme.