On 11–12 December 2025, the Metropolitan City of Bologna took part in the international study visit “Waste Minimization in large-scale winter events in Belgium”, held in Brussels and selected Flemish cities, within the framework of the MINEV – Waste Minimization in Large Events project, co-funded by the Interreg Europe programme.

The study visit focused on the exchange of experiences and on policies and practical measures for waste prevention and management at large winter events, with particular attention to their transferability to European urban contexts.

On the first day, participants visited OVAM – Flemish Waste Management Authority in Mechelen to gain insight into the Flemish policy framework for event waste management. In the afternoon, meetings were held with the Municipality of Bruges, followed by an on-site visit to the Brugge Winter Glow festival, providing a direct overview of waste minimization measures implemented during a major winter event.

The second day included a workshop at ACR+ (Association of Cities and Regions for Sustainable Resource Management) in Brussels, a European network supporting cities and regions on waste prevention and circular economy policies.

The programme continued with a meeting with the City of Brussels administration and a site visit to the Brussels Christmas Market – Winter Wonders, focusing on sustainable waste management solutions in a large urban event.The study visit represents a key activity of the MINEV project, which aims to improve public policies and strategic tools for waste minimization at large events by fostering cooperation and exchange of good practices among European local and regional authorities.