The European Union, in partnership with a United Nations-led consortium of international organisations, is launching a new initiative to accelerate Georgia’s transition towards a circular economy.

With EUR4.4 million in EU funding, the two-year project (2025–2027) will be implemented by UNDP, the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) and the Environment Agency Austria (UBA), with additional expertise from Avfall Sverige (Swedish Waste Management), Sweden’s trade association for waste management and recycling.

The initiative will help Georgia cut waste, boost recycling, expand access to green finance, and build awareness of the circular economy across public, private, and civic sectors. A key priority is building robust national systems for extended producer responsibility (EPR), ensuring the country has the capacities, infrastructure, and practical tools needed for a just and effective circular transition. The programme will also empower key stakeholders — including producer responsibility organisations (PROs), civil society, youth, and social enterprises — through capacity-building, targeted financial support, and inclusive partnerships that drive long-term, systemic change.

“The circular economy is a win for people, the environment, and the country,” said Didier Trebucq, UN Resident Coordinator in Georgia. “It offers practical solutions to today’s challenges while opening new opportunities for greener jobs, stronger businesses, cleaner cities, and healthier communities. Together with the European Union and our partners, the United Nations stands with Georgia on this journey to ensure that everyone has access to a safe, clean environment and a future that is sustainable and inclusive.”

“The European Union remains by Georgia’s side in fostering sustainable, green growth that benefits both people and the planet,” noted Annelies Vanwymelbeke, Team Leader for Green Deal, Connectivity, Economic and Investment Plan at the Delegation of the European Union to Georgia. “Transitioning to a circular economy means rethinking how we design, use, and reuse resources. It’s about creating value while cutting waste — for a more resilient and competitive economy.”

Programme partners and stakeholders gathered in Tbilisi on 16 October to discuss implementation strategies and align expectations. Participants highlighted Georgia’s major circularity gaps, including weak management of EPR waste streams such as packaging, batteries, waste oils, waste electrical and electronic equipment, end-of-life tyres and vehicles.

Georgia currently generates from 900,000 to 1.1 million tonnes of waste annually. Its domestic material consumption stands at 13.7 tonnes per capita, close to the EU average, but its circularity rate remains low at just 1.48 per cent, compared to 11.5 per cent in the EU. Limited infrastructure, low public awareness, and underinvestment in recycling technologies remain key challenges.

Through this joint initiative, the EU and UN will help Georgia turn these challenges into opportunities by supporting effective policies, infrastructure investments, green financing, and inclusive engagement across society, helping the country move towards a greener, more circular, and more prosperous future for all.

Background

‘Green, Inclusive and Circular Economy: Waste Reduction and Recycling for Citizens’ Health’ is a UN joint programme funded by the European Union and implemented by UNDP, UNIDO, and UBA, with additional expertise from Avfall Sverige. With EUR4.4 million in EU funding, the two-year project (2025–2027) brings together national actors, international partners, and private sector innovators to create lasting systems for greener growth and a more resilient economy.

About the European Union 

For more than 30 years, the European Union has built a close partnership with Georgia, supporting its development through knowledge and experience sharing, expertise, innovation and financial support. The relationship between the EU and the citizens of Georgia is based on shared values of peace, freedom, democracy, human rights and inclusive economic growth. More about the EU’s support in Georgia https://eu4georgia.eu/the-european-union-in-georgia/

Media Contacts

• Sophie Tchitchinadze, UNDP, +995 599 196907, sophie.tchitchinadze@undp.org
• Ira Sulava, UNDP, +995 599 579105, irine.sulava@undp.org
• Tamar Mikadze, European Union Delegation to Georgia, +995 32 2364364, tamriko.mikadze@eeas.europa.eu