About the Institute
The Circular Economy, Environment, Energy and Climate Institute (CEEECI) of the EPLO promotes the transition to a circular, climate neutral, and resource efficient economy which protects and improves the quality of the environment in line with the zero pollution objective of the EU Green Deal. Its mission is to boost circular economy policies, energy transition, climate action, environmental and energy diplomacy, and the emerging holistic concept of circular diplomacy across all levels of governance, by mainstreaming it into all relevant policies to make them circular.
The Institute’s work aligns with the EU Green Deal - and its international dimension - where the circular economy is recognised as an overarching priority and is mainstreamed across the EU’s three major pillars: Green Growth, Blue Economy, and the Digital Economy, providing them with a circular holistic dimension. CEEECI also contributes to global sustainability efforts, supporting the implementation of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Mission and Objectives
CEEECI works to:
• Mainstream circular economy principles in public policy, legislation, and governance.
• Promote circular entrepreneurship and Circular ESG (C ESG) models.
• Develop and promote good practice in the implementation of the international and of the EU environmental acquis.
• Support mitigation, adaptation/resilience strategies for climate action.
• Advance climate proofing, green public procurement, and sustainable infrastructure.
• Strengthen environmental, climate, and energy diplomacy, including the Institute’s pioneering work on circular diplomacy.
• Foster a social circular economy, ensuring inclusive and equitable transitions.
Activities and Services
The Institute provides:
• Technical assistance, institutional and capacity building
• Environmental and climate policy consultancy
• Project management for EU funded and privately funded initiatives
• Legal expertise in environmental, climate, energy and circular economy matters
• Awareness raising and training programmes
• Promotion of innovative actions and best practices
• Representation and legal support in environmental, climate, or circular economy litigation and arbitration
• Representation in international UN, UNEP and UNECE Conventions (Espoo and SEA Protocol, UNEP/MAP-Barcelona Convention)
Events and Outreach
CEEECI organises a wide range of policy, scientific, and public engagement activities, including:
Circular Gaia Symposium
An annual international conference hosted by the Institute, the Circular Gaia Symposium is a flagship event dedicated to advancing circular economy and climate action. Throughout the year, CEEECI also hosts thematic workshops, expert meetings, and specialised events that promote interdisciplinary collaboration.
Partnerships and Cooperation
Beyond EPLO’s network of 75 universities, the Institute collaborates with:
• Academic institutions
• Government authorities
• International Organizations
• Civil society organizations
• Private sector and innovation actors
EPLO/CEEECI has signed Memoranda of Understanding with the Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority (HCAA) and the Euro Mediterranean Economists Association (EMEA), strengthening cooperation on circular economy and climate initiatives.
International Presence
The Institute actively participates in major international climate and environmental fora. At COP29 in Baku, CECI was represented by:
• George Kremlis, Director of the Institute, who spoke and moderated panels in the Blue Zone
• Garyfallia (Fay) Selimi, Deputy Director, who held a series of high level meetings promoting CEEECI’s mission
Leadership
Director: George Kremlis
• Chairman of the Greek Initiative at UN level on protecting cultural and natural heritage from climate impacts
• Member of the EPLO Board of Directors and EPLO Representative to Bulgaria
• f. Member of the Environmental and Social Advisory Council of the EBRD
• Chair of the Bureau of the UNECE Espoo Convention (2019–continuing)
• Chairman of the AmCham Circular Economy Committee
• Honorary Director of the European Commission
• Former Special Advisor to the Greek Prime Minister on energy, climate, environment, and circular economy
Deputy Director: Garyfallia (Fay) Selimi
• Attorney at Law, PhD(c), MSc
• Economist
• Expert in environmental, climate, energy, financial, and European public law
• Sustainability expert and advisor to municipalities, international organisations and public/private entities
• Official EPLO representative to the UNECE Espoo Convention and SEA Protocol
• Official EPLO representative to the UNEP-MAP/Barcelona Convention
• Euro Mediterranean Economists Association (EMEA) Expert
• Climate advocate and public speaker
Scientific Committee
The Members of the Scientific Committee of the Institute are as follows:
