Circular MuSe in Kalmar - Circular Economy in Practice
Representatives of the Circular MuSe project partners and STG ERB member municipalities took part in the first day of a study visit in Kalmar, Sweden, on 29 September. The meeting focused on practical circular economy solutions applied in municipal services – from the reuse of materials and items to the recovery and management of sludge.
The first day of the Circular MuSe Study Trip & All-partner Meeting, organised on 29–30 September 2026, gave participants an opportunity to see how circular solutions are being implemented at the city level and within local public services.
Circular Economy at the City Level
The programme began with a presentation of Kalmar Municipality’s approach to the circular economy. The discussions focused primarily on solutions that can be implemented by local authorities and municipal service providers. An important part of the meeting was the exchange of experiences and the opportunity to discuss the practical aspects of how such services operate.
Representatives of member municipalities of the Association of Polish Communes Euroregion Baltic also took part in the study visit. This made it possible to analyse the solutions presented in Sweden from the perspective of their potential use and adaptation by Polish local authorities.
From Used Materials to Sports Equipment
The next part of the day focused on specific examples of circular services available to residents and local businesses.
Participants visited Återbruket, a municipal facility that collects and resells used building materials, doors, windows and furniture for both private and office use.
Another example was Fritidsbanken, which operates as a “leisure bank”. Residents can borrow sports and recreational equipment free of charge for up to 14 days.
The programme also included a visit to VIKAB, a city-owned workshop providing services tailored to the needs of businesses, such as refurbishing workwear and repairing furniture, with a particular focus on corporate social responsibility.
Sludge as a Resource
Another important focus of the first day was the removal and reuse of sludge in municipal services.
During a visit to Malmfjärden Bay, participants learned about low-flow sludge removal technology, solutions for semi-passive sludge dewatering, and examples of its potential reuse.
The study visit also included the Skogstorp and Kalmar Dämme sedimentation ponds. Discussions covered factors affecting the frequency of sludge removal and its potential for further use.
The final example presented was the work carried out in Skogsby on Öland, focusing on plant selection and the use of soil and sludge mixtures for cultivation.
The first day of the study visit demonstrated a broad approach to the circular economy – from extending the life cycle of products and reusing materials to recovering resources generated through municipal services. For local government representatives, it was also an opportunity to explore solutions that could inspire the development of more circular services at the local level.
Circular MuSe in Kalmar - Partners Plan Next Steps, Local Government Representatives Explore Solutions in Practice
The second day of the Circular MuSe Study Trip & All-partner Meeting in Kalmar combined partners’ work on the next stages of the project with study visits for local government representatives. The partners focused, among other things, on preparing training and mentoring activities, further developing the Circular MuSe Knowledge Hub, and exploring how the project’s results can be used after its completion. The study visit provided an opportunity to learn about practical solutions for water treatment and reuse.
On 30 September, the two-day Circular MuSe project meeting continued in Kalmar. The programme was designed to enable the project partners to work on the further implementation of the project while, at the same time, allowing participants in the study visit – including representatives of member municipalities of the Association of Polish Communes Euroregion Baltic – to explore Swedish experiences and solutions that may be relevant from a local government perspective.
Next stages of Circular MuSe
During the All-partner Meeting, the partners presented brief updates on activities and achievements since the last joint meeting in Wejherowo. They then focused on planning the next stages of the project.
One of the main topics was the preparation of training activities in Denmark, Poland and Sweden, as well as mentoring in Lithuania. The discussions covered specific dates, recruitment of representatives of local authorities and companies, formats and methods of delivering the training, the duration of individual modules, as well as the selection of trainers and the resources required.
Development of the Circular MuSe Knowledge Hub
Another important part of the meeting was the continued development of the Circular MuSe Knowledge Hub and a portfolio of examples of circular municipal services, primarily intended for smaller towns and rural areas.
The partners reviewed the good practices collected so far, identified thematic areas that still need to be covered, and discussed which solutions could be used during future study visits and training activities. They also considered examples that could be particularly valuable for communicating and disseminating the project’s results.
What will remain after the project ends?
A separate part of the discussions focused on how the results of Circular MuSe could be used after the project has ended. The partners discussed the requirements of the funding programme, initial concepts for the continued use of the results developed within the project, as well as upcoming tasks and future meetings.
This is an important aspect of Circular MuSe, as the project’s activities are intended not only to facilitate the exchange of experience among partners, but also to provide knowledge and practical examples that can be used by local authorities and local municipal service providers.
Solutions for Local Authorities in Practice
At the same time, study visits were an important part of the second day. For the local government representatives participating in the trip, they provided an opportunity to see solutions implemented in Kalmar first-hand and to discuss practical experience gained from their implementation.
One of the solutions presented was a mobile, container-based wastewater disinfection system that enables water recovery and reuse, including for irrigating green areas and sports fields. During the visit, participants learned about experiences related to the implementation and operation of the system, its potential future applications, as well as conclusions and recommendations resulting from its operation.
The study visit programme also included Kalmarsundsverket – a new-generation wastewater treatment and resource recovery facility currently being developed in Kalmar. According to the project assumptions, the facility is designed to reduce nitrogen and phosphorus emissions, enable up to 80% of the water to be treated for reuse, and produce a high-quality soil improver as well as biogas used to generate electricity and heat.
Knowledge That Can Be Applied Locally
The second day in Kalmar therefore had two complementary dimensions. Circular MuSe partners worked on the next stages of the project, training activities, the Knowledge Hub and the long-term use of project results, while local government representatives had the opportunity to explore practical solutions related to the circular economy and resource reuse first-hand.
The meeting concluded with a joint exchange of conclusions from the study visit, focusing on the experience gained, opportunities for implementing circular practices in municipal services, and further activities within Circular MuSe.
55th Extraordinary General Meeting of the Members of the Association of Polish Communes Euroregion Baltic - Experience, the Future and New Forms of Cooperation
Nursecoast II, the future of local government cooperation, preparations for the Association’s 30th anniversary, and new approaches to youth engagement – these were the key topics of the 55th Extraordinary General Meeting of the Members of the Association of Polish Communes Euroregion Baltic, held on 22 September 2026 in Mierki near Olsztynek.
The meeting was designed not only as a formal event of the Association, but above all as a space for discussing what has already been achieved and how the experience gained in recent years can contribute to future joint initiatives. The two-day agenda therefore combined project and organisational matters with the exchange of experience, planning of future activities, and exploration of new methods of cooperation.
Nursecoast II – from experience to future projects
One of the first and most important parts of the meeting was the presentation of the results of the Nursecoast II project, which addressed a specific challenge: the seasonal pressure of tourism on wastewater treatment systems. In tourist destinations, the number of people can increase several times during the high season, while the infrastructure is primarily designed to serve the permanent population.
The project responded to this challenge through six pilot investments in Denmark, Poland, Latvia and Finland, testing different ways of adapting technologies to changing seasonal conditions. These included, among others, constructed wetland solutions, nanobubble aeration, monitoring and remote management, as well as the reuse of treated wastewater for irrigation.
A common conclusion from the pilots is also highly relevant from the perspective of local authorities: there is no single universal solution for wastewater treatment systems operating under seasonal conditions. The technological response should depend on the timing, scale and duration of peak loads. Outside the high season, energy efficiency, stability and automation may be more important, while during peak periods the focus may shift towards process intensification, buffering and monitoring. As highlighted in the presentation of the project results, system resilience to seasonal fluctuations depends just as much on appropriate control and design as on the resources available.
The results and recommendations presented were therefore intended to demonstrate not only what had been developed within the project, but above all how this knowledge could be taken forward. Nursecoast II delivered not only pilot results and good practices, but also valuable experience in assessing and transferring solutions and exploring their potential application in other locations. This knowledge became a starting point for discussions on future initiatives within Euroregion Baltic – particularly those related to the green transition and the search for solutions addressing real local challenges.
30 years of the Association – an anniversary as the beginning of a new chapter
Another important item on the agenda was the preparation for the 30th anniversary of the Association of Polish Communes Euroregion Baltic, which will be celebrated in 2027.
However, the aim is not simply to organise anniversary events. Participants were invited to jointly develop the concept for the celebrations and, above all, to consider how the anniversary could serve as an impulse for defining new directions of cooperation.
For this reason, co-creation was at the heart of this part of the meeting – jointly designing future activities. Discussions focused on what events should be included in the anniversary programme, how to involve the Association’s members and partners, and which initiatives should become particularly important in 2027.
The 30th anniversary is therefore intended to be more than a summary of the Association’s history to date. It is also an opportunity to look ahead and consider what kind of local government cooperation Euroregion Baltic will need in the years to come.
D-effect and YDF – democracy through participation and joint action
The final major element of the first day was an introduction to the YDF – Youth Democracy Festival methodology, implemented within the D-effect project.
Participants were introduced to an approach based on co-creation, dialogue and active participation. One of its key principles is moving away from a model in which young people are merely recipients of activities prepared for them. Instead, they become part of the process – taking part in discussions, co-creating events, and contributing their own ideas and perspectives.
This approach fits well within the broader discussion about the future of local cooperation. Local governments do not operate in isolation from their communities. Involving different groups, listening to their needs and creating opportunities for joint action can help build more active and engaged local communities.
For this reason, the presentation of the YDF methodology was not merely a theoretical part of the programme. The very next day, on 23 September, participants had an opportunity to see the approach in practice during a study visit to Olsztynek.
YDF in practice – study visit to Olsztynek
On the second day, participants moved from the meeting room into spaces where they could see the practical effects of the YDF approach.
The study visit began with participation in the International Democracy Festival in Olsztynek, whose official opening was combined with a panel discussion on youth participation in local governance.
Participants then explored local initiatives and good practices connected with the D-effect project. The programme included workshops organised around several thematic tracks, including activities related to 3D printing, handicrafts and the work of local Rural Women’s Associations.
The subsequent parts of the visit demonstrated that discussions about democracy and civic engagement can extend far beyond traditional meetings or debates. The programme also included a visit to the Municipal Social Welfare Centre and a free psychological counselling service for young people, as well as a walk through Olsztynek and joint herbal workshops at the Museum of Folk Architecture.
In this way, the second day became a natural continuation of the first: on 22 September, participants were introduced to the principles of the YDF methodology, while on 23 September they could see how the ideas of dialogue, co-creation and active participation translate into concrete local activities.
From experience to the future
The two-day meeting in Mierki and Olsztynek brought together several perspectives – experience gained through project implementation, planning of future initiatives, preparations for the Association’s 30th anniversary, and the search for new ways of engaging residents and young people.
The common denominator across all these topics was cooperation – cooperation based on experience gained through project implementation, cooperation needed to develop future initiatives, and cooperation that requires openness to new ideas and new groups of participants.
The 55th Extraordinary General Meeting of the Members of the Association of Polish Communes Euroregion Baltic was therefore more than a meeting devoted to current matters. It also provided an opportunity to look ahead – from future projects and the green transition, through the Association’s 30th anniversary, to cooperation with the younger generation and new ways of building active local communities.
SCONE Project – From Gaining Knowledge to Developing Solutions. Final Day of the Sustainability Camp “Water is Life: Shape What’s Next”
From exploring practical examples of sustainable development to developing their own solutions – this was the focus of the final day of the international Sustainability Camp “Water is Life: Shape What’s Next” in Denmark. Young people from Poland, Denmark, Lithuania and Germany used the knowledge and experience gained during previous workshops, field activities and study visits to work on challenges related to water quality, hemp-based housing and fish production. The final day also provided an opportunity to present the ideas developed by the participants and reflect on the entire three-day event.
From Gaining Knowledge to Developing Solutions
The final day of the international youth camp, organised as part of the SCONE – Sustainability Cooperation Network in the South Baltic project, had a different focus from the previous stages of the event. After days dedicated to exploring practical examples of environmental action, taking part in study visits and working in the field, it was time for participants to put their newly acquired knowledge into practice.
The programme focused on cooperation, creative thinking and independently searching for answers to specific sustainability challenges. Participants worked in international groups, allowing them to combine different experiences, perspectives and ideas.
In this way, the final day was a natural continuation of the previous Sustainability Camp activities – moving from observation and learning towards developing the participants’ own solutions.
Learning Through Cooperation and Problem-Solving
One of the activities was a digital escape room, introducing participants to a form of learning based on teamwork and collaborative problem-solving. The interactive format required cooperation, information sharing and finding answers together.
The next part of the programme focused directly on specific sustainability-related challenges. The young participants worked on three topics: water quality, hemp-based housing and fish production. Each of these issues offered a different perspective on sustainable development and encouraged participants to consider possible solutions.
Their task was not simply to discuss the challenges. The groups analysed the selected issues, developed their own proposals and then presented the results of their work to the other participants.
From Ideas to the Final Presentation
Presenting the solutions developed by the groups was an important part of the programme. Participants shared the results of their teamwork, explained their approaches and discussed their ideas with the other groups.
The best solutions were selected and presented during the final Sustainability Camp presentation. As a result, the last stage of the camp went beyond simply summarising what participants had learned – it gave them an opportunity to use their knowledge to address specific challenges themselves.
It was also a practical example of how teamwork and bringing together different perspectives can contribute to developing new ideas related to the environment and the responsible use of resources.
Three Days of Different Experiences
The final day also provided an opportunity to evaluate the entire Sustainability Camp and reflect on the experiences gained during the three-day event.
The camp programme combined different forms of learning, including workshops, field activities, study visits, environmental observations and problem-solving exercises. Participants explored topics such as water resource protection, biodiversity, climate change adaptation, the circular economy and waste management.
Activities and visits organised in Denmark enabled the young participants to see how issues discussed during workshops are addressed in real-life settings. On the final day, this perspective was reversed: instead of learning about existing solutions, the participants were challenged to develop possible solutions of their own.
International Youth Cooperation
The international dimension was an important part of the Sustainability Camp. The event brought together young people from Poland, Denmark, Lithuania and Germany, with a significant part of the programme based on cooperation and the exchange of experiences.
Working in international teams enabled participants to explore different perspectives and approaches to similar challenges. It also provided an opportunity to develop skills in cooperation, communication and joint decision-making.
The Sustainability Camp “Water is Life: Shape What’s Next” therefore concluded not only with a summary of three days of learning, but above all with an opportunity to put that knowledge into practice. From the first workshops and study visits, through environmental observations, to the final work on their own solutions, participants gradually moved from exploring sustainability issues to actively seeking ways to address related challenges.
The Polish group included students from the Technical School Complex in Elbląg, Kazimierz Jagiellończyk Bilingual Secondary School No. 2 in Elbląg, and Secondary School No. 6 in Gdańsk.
SCONE Project - from Water Resource Protection to the Circular Economy. Day Two of the Sustainability Camp in Roskilde
Water resource protection, the circular economy and climate change adaptation were the main themes of the second day of the international Sustainability Camp “Water is Life – Shape What’s Next!” in Denmark. In Roskilde, young people from Poland, Lithuania, Germany and Denmark took part in field activities and study visits, exploring practical solutions for managing natural resources and waste while carrying out environmental observations.
Sustainability in Practice
The second day of the international youth camp, organised as part of the SCONE – Sustainability Cooperation Network in the South Baltic project, took place in Roskilde. The programme was based on work in thematic groups, allowing participants to explore different aspects of sustainable development – from water resource and environmental protection to the circular economy and climate change adaptation.
The activities gave young people an opportunity to learn about practical approaches to natural resource and waste management, conduct their own observations and analyse the relationship between human activity and the environment.
From Waste to Energy
One group explored the natural springs and water resources of Roskilde and visited ARGO and the Energy Tower, where participants learned how a waste-to-energy facility operates.
Waste that cannot be recycled is used to generate electricity and district heating. The visit provided an opportunity to see practical solutions for municipal waste management, energy recovery and reducing the amount of waste sent to landfill.
Environmental Research in Roskilde Fjord
Another group carried out environmental research in Roskilde Fjord, combining observations of the natural environment with field activities. Participants were able to examine the local aquatic environment directly and apply their knowledge in practice.
The activities provided an opportunity to better understand the importance of aquatic ecosystems and the impact of human activity on their functioning.
People and Climate – Looking into the Past
Another group visited the Land of Legends in Lejre, where the young participants explored life during the Iron Age and learned about historical ways in which people adapted to environmental and climatic conditions.
This part of the programme offered a different perspective on adaptation, showing how people throughout history used available resources and adjusted their way of life to the surrounding environment.
Shared Experiences and International Integration
The second day of the Sustainability Camp concluded with a joint reflection on the experiences gained throughout the day. Participants exchanged observations from the different group activities and considered sustainable development from several perspectives.
The day ended with a campfire gathering, providing an informal setting for conversations, exchange of experiences and building relationships among young people from the South Baltic region.
First Day of the Sustainability Camp in Denmark - Young People Explore Sustainability in Practice
Young people from Poland, Lithuania, Germany and Denmark have started the international Sustainability Camp “Water is Life” in Nykøbing Falster, organised as part of the SCONE project. The first day of the camp focused on environmental protection, biodiversity and climate change adaptation, with study visits showcasing Danish investments and practical approaches to sustainable development forming an important part of the programme.
An International Youth Meeting in Denmark
From 21 to 23 September 2026, Denmark is hosting the international Sustainability Camp “Water is Life”, organised as part of the SCONE – Sustainability Cooperation Network in the South Baltic project. The event brings together young people from 🇵🇱 Poland, 🇱🇹 Lithuania, 🇩🇪 Germany and 🇩🇰 Denmark.
The first day of the camp combined educational activities with opportunities to explore practical examples of initiatives and investments implemented in the region. Participants addressed issues related to environmental protection, biodiversity and climate change adaptation.
Sustainability in Practice
The programme allowed participants to look at environmental issues not only from a theoretical perspective. The young people had an opportunity to learn about local initiatives and solutions and to see how sustainability-related challenges are connected with real changes taking place in the region.
One of the activities also included exploring Nykøbing Falster accompanied by local guides, providing an opportunity to learn more about the town and its surroundings.
Study Visits and Local Investments
Study visits were an important part of the first day. Participants visited an exhibition dedicated to the construction of the Fehmarnbelt tunnel, learned about “The Arrow” project and explored the new areas created in Rødby.
The visits gave the young participants an opportunity to learn more about local investments and changes taking place in the region, while considering them from the perspective of sustainable development and their impact on the surrounding environment.
Cooperation Between Young People from Four Countries
The Sustainability Camp also provides a space for international integration and the exchange of experiences. Joint activities and study visits enable young people from four countries to explore different perspectives and work together on issues related to the environment and sustainable development.
The Polish group includes students from the Technical School Complex in Elbląg, Kazimierz Jagiellończyk Bilingual Secondary School No. 2 in Elbląg, and Secondary School No. 6 in Gdańsk.
The Next Days of the Sustainability Camp
The participants will continue with workshops, field activities and joint work on topics related to water, the environment and solutions supporting more sustainable development.
NURSECOAST-II Final Conference - Project Results and Key Outcomes
The NURSECOAST-II project summarised its activities, results and experience in developing sustainable wastewater management solutions for small communities and tourist areas across the Baltic Sea Region. The Final Conference provided an opportunity to present the outcomes of the pilot activities, exchange experience and discuss how the solutions developed within the project can be further applied and replicated.
On 10 September, the NURSECOAST-II Final Conference, entitled “Innovative and Sustainable Wastewater Management Solutions for Small Treatment Plants and Areas Under Seasonal Tourism Pressure in the Baltic Sea Region”, was held at the Institute of Fluid-Flow Machinery of the Polish Academy of Sciences.
The event brought together project partners, representatives of the scientific community, local authorities and the water and wastewater sector. The programme focused on the results of NURSECOAST-II, experience gained through the implementation of the pilot activities and opportunities to use the solutions developed within the project beyond its completion.
From pilot activities to solutions for wider application
The conference presented the project’s key results, tools and experience. Discussions focused on solutions for small-scale wastewater treatment systems, technologies tested at different locations across the Baltic Sea Region, their assessment and their potential for wider application.
Particular attention was given to wastewater management in tourist areas, where seasonal fluctuations in the number of users lead to significant variations in wastewater volumes and place additional demands on local infrastructure. The discussions covered both technological solutions and good practices and models supporting more flexible and sustainable wastewater management.
The presentations and discussions were complemented by materials developed within NURSECOAST-II, including posters presenting the project’s pilot activities and brochures summarising its main activities, solutions and results.
Different perspectives, shared challenges
An important part of the conference was the exchange of experience between local authorities, the water and wastewater sector, the scientific community and project partners. This made it possible to examine wastewater management challenges from both a technological perspective and the practical perspective of communities facing significant seasonal tourism pressure.
The programme included experiences from Krynica Morska and Nowa Karczma, as well as examples from Norwegian coastal communities. The cases demonstrated the diversity of local conditions and challenges faced by small municipalities and wastewater system operators.
What determines whether a solution can be implemented?
An important part of the conference was a co-creation workshop dedicated to future activities and development directions in water and wastewater management, facilitated by Prof. Magdalena Gajewska and Marcin Żuchowski, Director of the Association of Polish Communes Euroregion Baltic (STG ERB).
Participants analysed the practical conditions for implementing sustainable solutions and the barriers that may affect their application. Key issues included investment time and costs, permitting procedures, changing regulatory requirements and access to financing.
The discussion also addressed the use of local and regional resources, the development of local cooperation and value chains, and solutions aimed at reducing water demand. The workshop provided a space to compare different perspectives and identify both barriers and opportunities for the further implementation of the solutions developed.
NURSECOAST-II results remain available for further use
The Final Conference marked the completion of an important stage of cooperation within NURSECOAST-II, while the knowledge, tools, pilot solutions and recommendations developed by the project remain available for further use.
The experience gained during the project can support the development of more flexible and sustainable wastewater management systems that are better adapted to the needs of small communities and tourist areas across the Baltic Sea Region.
Youth Democracy Festival in Denmark - Young People for Democracy Across Borders
On 10–11 September 2026, we participated in the Youth Democracy Festival in Odsherred, which brought together young people engaged in discussions about democracy, civil rights and freedom of expression.
Together with young people from Denmark and Sweden, we co-created workshops dedicated to freedom of expression, which were part of the YDF – Youth Democracy Festival events held on 11 September. It was an opportunity not only to exchange views, but above all to work together, listen to different perspectives and seek answers to questions that matter to the younger generation.
Democracy in Action
Participation in the festival showed that democracy is not only about voting and taking part in elections. It is also about the opportunity to express one’s views, engage in dialogue, cooperate, take responsibility and have a real influence on issues that affect us and our communities.
Thanks to the D-Effekt project and the Youth Democracy Festival method, young people can not only participate in events, but above all co-create them from the very beginning – choosing topics that matter to them, preparing workshops, engaging others and speaking out on issues concerning their local communities, Europe and the future of democracy.
Cooperation Across Borders
The meeting in Odsherred was also an important experience of international youth cooperation. The joint preparation of workshops by young people from Poland, Denmark and Sweden showed that, despite linguistic and cultural differences, we can work together to create a space for dialogue and action.
D-Effekt connects young people across borders and provides them with tools for active participation in civic life. The festival in Odsherred was another example of how, when young people are given space, trust and the opportunity to take action, democracy becomes something we not only learn about, but something we experience and co-create.
The D-Effekt Project
D-Effekt supports the development of young people’s civic engagement, their participation in democratic life and international cooperation. Through Youth Democracy Festivals, young people from different countries can jointly create engaging events and discuss issues that genuinely matter to them – both locally and internationally.
