Queen Máxima and Minister join forces with businesses to fast-track circular economy in Utrecht
Over 200 entrepreneurs, policymakers, and Queen Máxima gathered in Utrecht to tackle circular economy challenges. With raw material shortages and climate pressures mounting, the event focused on turning sustainable ideas into action—especially in healthcare and construction—to secure a greener, cost-saving future for citizens.
| Key Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | Congress on Circular Entrepreneurship |
| Date | March 19, 2026 |
| Location | Werkspoorkathedraal, Utrecht |
| Key Attendees | Queen Máxima, Minister Stientje van Veldhoven, Deputy Has Bakker |
| Focus Sectors | Healthcare, construction, consumer goods |
| Province Leading | Utrecht |
| Critical Challenges | Circular financing, scaling innovations, regulatory alignment |
| Next Steps | Joint action agenda to be presented to Minister van Veldhoven |
The province of Utrecht plays a pivotal role in driving the circular economy by fostering collaboration between businesses, knowledge institutions, and government bodies. It prioritizes sectors like healthcare and construction, where circular solutions can yield significant environmental and economic benefits for residents.
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Congress on Circular Entrepreneurship Brings Together Businesses and Government
The circular economy is no longer a distant dream but a necessary step toward a strong and resilient economy. On Thursday, March 19, the Congress on Circular Entrepreneurship in the Werkspoorkathedraal in Utrecht brought together entrepreneurs, governments, knowledge partners, and Her Majesty Queen Máxima to take action toward a circular economy.
The presence and participation of Her Majesty Queen Máxima and Minister Stientje van Veldhoven (Climate and Green Growth) underscores the importance of this shared agenda for our country, as the urgency grows. Geopolitical tensions, climate change, scarcity of raw materials, and vulnerable international supply chains make it increasingly clear that circularity is no longer an optional choice. It must become a structural part of economic policy for a circular society where current and future generations can live, work, and thrive in a healthy environment.
Room for Investment and Appropriate Regulation
A circular economy contributes to innovation, productivity, strategic autonomy, and new earning potential for the Netherlands—and thus also for the province of Utrecht. This was the message from Deputy Has Bakker during the opening of the congress: “For the province of Utrecht, the circular transition is not just policy but daily practice. In sectors such as construction and healthcare, solutions for circular material use and reuse are emerging in abundance. At the same time, we know that scaling up does not happen automatically. Entrepreneurs need space, investments, and appropriate rules. This not only leads to a strong and future-proof economy but also to a healthier living environment in Utrecht and beyond.”
Dialogue, Collaboration, and Results
At various action tables, attendees worked on concrete circular challenges. The province of Utrecht focuses on sectors where significant circular gains can be achieved, such as healthcare, construction, and consumer goods. That is why we participated in action tables like the Circular Deal for Secondary Construction Materials and Critical Raw Materials. Additionally, we facilitated two tables ourselves: Circular Healthcare and Circular Financing.
Accelerating Sustainable Healthcare
The healthcare chain is one of the largest and most defining sectors in the province of Utrecht. It is no coincidence that the region positions itself as the ‘Heart of Health.’ To address societal and ecological challenges in healthcare, the province of Utrecht and UMC Utrecht are joining forces in a joint action table. The goal: accelerating circular healthcare and stimulating innovations that contribute to a healthy, sustainable future.
In healthcare, large quantities of raw materials are used, but this also presents significant opportunities. Circular solutions can reduce environmental impact, save costs, and ease workloads. Many innovations emerge locally, but to truly scale up, collaboration, shared guidelines, and joint investments across the entire chain are needed to make it future-proof.
Financing Remains an Obstacle for Circular Entrepreneurs
An important theme at the action table was circular financing, which is crucial for accelerating the transition in healthcare. During the discussions, one question was central: what do entrepreneurs really need to be able to operate circularly?
Conversations with entrepreneurs revealed that their current financing models do not sufficiently align with circular business models. There is a particular need for more flexible instruments, greater risk-bearing capital, and financing structures that support long-term goals. Without these conditions, it remains difficult for many circular entrepreneurs to scale up and make a real impact.
Toward a Joint Action Agenda
The outcomes of the congress form the basis for a joint action agenda on Circular Entrepreneurship for the coming years. Not a new policy document, but a concrete collaboration between the business community, the region, and the government to accelerate the circular transition. The action agenda, the first steps of which were taken in Utrecht, includes agreements and ambitions and will later be presented to Minister van Veldhoven by the organizers.
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