EU Cities Gateway Delegation visits Annapolis

A delegation representing the City of Boulder (USA), City of Phoenix (USA) and Ville de Terrebonne (Canada) was warmly welcomed by Mayor Gavin Buckley in the City of Annapolis, Maryland, marking the first on-site activity of the EU Cities Gateway Program and building on the success of the IURC North America Program, both supported by the European Union.

During the visit, participants explored Annapolis’ pioneering work on urban resilience, including its efforts to address sea-level rise and recurrent flooding in the city’s historic downtown. Passive flood barriers – inspired by Dutch best practices – and other innovative resilience measures are helping to protect the city’s waterfront and economic life.

The exchange continued this week at the Circular Economy Forum 2025, co-hosted by the State of Maryland, the European Union Delegation to the United States and the city of Annapolis, under the EU-funded Transatlantic Sustainable Transition Initiative (TSTI). The Forum brought together more than 130 policymakers, business leaders, and experts from both sides of the Atlantic to advance a shared vision for a circular economy- one that redirects resources, creates jobs, and strengthens communities.

Governor Moore highlighted Maryland’s leadership in developing an extended producer responsibility initiative expected to cut waste and generate 2,000 jobs, while Ambassador Neliupšienė emphasised the competitive advantage of circular business models for transatlantic trade and investment. Discussions throughout the day focused on policy, innovation, and financing strategies to scale up circular practices in packaging, construction, textiles, and critical minerals.

By joining this dialogue, the EU Cities Gateway Program continues to connect cities and regions across North America and Europe, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange on sustainable urban transformation.