From November 3 to 6 at the Rimini Expo Centre in Italy, the IEG event brings together the ecological transition international community  

As part of Europe’s ecological transition, Romania is accelerating its shift toward more sustainable models in line with the goals set out in the Green Deal. 

In recent years, the country has increased its investments in the waste management and water resources sectors, recognizing the circular economy as an essential tool for reducing its dependence on foreign sources of critical raw materials and for boosting the industrial resilience and competitiveness. As in many other European countries, the real challenge lies not only in regulatory compliance but also in the ability to build new supply chains, accelerating innovation and the development of international partnerships. 

ECOMONDO: A GLOBAL BENCHMARK  

Ecomondo confirms its role as the leading event for issues related to the green, blue, and circular economies also in Romania. The event, now in its 29th edition, is organized by Italian Exhibition Group (IEG) from November 3 to 6, 2026, at the Rimini Expo Centre in Italy, and serves as one of the most important international meeting places for companies, institutions, associations, research centers, investors, and policymakers committed to the ecological transition.  

More than just a trade show, Ecomondo is an ecosystem where diverse vertical supply chains focused on sustainability converge, and where industrial partnerships, collaborations, and synergies are forged to launch new business ventures. 

The event’s growing global scope is one of the defining features of the 2026 edition, thanks in part to a packed program of conferences conducted in English and the participation of buyers, delegations, and associations from around the world, in collaboration with MAECI - Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation - and ICE - the Italian Trade Agency. The event’s network now extends well beyond European borders, fostering an ongoing dialogue between companies and institutions in the world’s leading sustainability markets.  

In the run-up to the November event, a multi-stop roadshow is scheduled; it has already arrived in Spain and will also visit Morocco, Germany, Hungary, and Canada. The initiative expands the network of events linked to the Italian edition of Ecomondo, which already includes: Ecomondo Mexico, a strategic platform for the Latin American market and a key showcase for Made in Italy environmental technologies; Ecomondo China, which this year has evolved into a Forum held in Shanghai on 11–12 June; and the Green Med Expo & Symposium, which took place from May 27 to 29, also in Italy, but in Naples. 

AN INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE PROGRAMME 

In addition to its business focus, Ecomondo will highlight the key issues that will shape the evolution of sustainability markets in the coming years. The conference programme, developed by the event’s International Technical and Scientific Committee, will offer a key opportunity to delve into the main European regulatory dossiers. These include the Circular Economy Act, the Critical Raw Materials Act, the RESourceEU Action Plan, the Bioeconomy Strategy, the Biotech Act II, the Pact for the Mediterranean, and the new Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR).  

Other key themes, with a continued focus on international cooperation and strengthening partnerships with the Mediterranean and Africa, will include healthy and circular cities, artificial intelligence and new digital technologies to support the ecological transition, as well as the bioeconomy and bioenergy – two sectors that form one of the pillars of the transition to low-emission, highly circular production systems. 

During the first two days of the event, the States General of the Green Economy will return. This event is organised by the Foundation for Sustainable Development in collaboration with the Ministry of the Environment and Energy Security (MASE) and promoted by the National Green Economy Council, with a second plenary session held entirely in English. 

WHAT'S NEW AT ECOMONDO 2026 

The 2026 edition of Ecomondo will feature a revamped exhibition layout, with an entire hall dedicated to Textiles for the first time. This hall will act as an international hub for the full supply chain at a crucial moment in the rollout of new European regulations on sustainability in the sector. 

Alongside the expanded and reorganized Waste as Resource and Water Cycle & Blue Economy sectors, the new Textile sector, and the Bio-energy & Agriculture and Circular & Regenerative Bio-Economy areas, the Ecomondo 2026 layout also includes spaces for Sites & Soil Restoration and Earth Observation and Environmental Monitoring, as well as for the Circular & Healthy City, Blue Economy, Trenchless District, Paper District, and for the Innovation District, dedicated to startups, innovation, and sustainable expertise. 

Ecomondo thus proves to be the place to gain insight into the major transformations that are reshaping global markets. For Romanian industry professionals, the event offers an opportunity to connect with international leaders in the ecological transition and actively participate in the debate that is shaping the future of sustainability in Europe.