The BIP partners were the University of Valencia, Spain; the University of Palermo, Italy; and Université Bourgogne Europe, France. Cooperation with the partner universities enabled the programme to combine diverse academic perspectives — from circular economy policy and sustainable business models to blue economy and sustainable aquaculture.
Prior to arriving in Riga, students participated in four virtual components addressing the fundamentals of the circular economy, approaches to material reuse, examples of the blue economy in the Mediterranean region, and sustainable aquaculture production. This preparation enabled teams to formulate initial ideas for circular solutions, which were further developed during the on-site week through discussions, practical tasks, and study visits.
The on-site programme began with welcoming remarks by Jānis Priede, Dean of the Faculty of Economics and Social Sciences, and Professor Sandra Jēkabsone, followed by an introductory lecture on Riga as a setting for circular economy and sustainable cooperation. Students also learned about the history of the UL by visiting the main university building, the UL Museum, and the Student Detention Cell. This provided international participants with a broader understanding of the university’s academic traditions and its role in Latvia’s educational and cultural landscape.
A particularly valuable aspect of the programme was the opportunity to learn beyond the classroom. During the week, participants attended a lecture by ECO BALTIA vide, took part in a blue economy workshop, visited the Environmental Department of the Riga City Council, and explored sustainability initiatives at the University of Latvia. One of the most memorable practical experiences was a field trip to the “Getliņi” waste management and recycling landfill, where students observed how circular economy principles are implemented in infrastructure, resource management, and energy efficiency.
The programme effectively balanced academic learning with intercultural experience. A guided tour of Old Riga, a visit to the Central Market with tastings, and the farewell event encouraged informal interaction and allowed students to experience Riga as a vibrant example of sustainability, culture, and urban life. On the final day, students shared their reflections, emphasizing that the study visits helped them connect theoretical knowledge with real-world decisions, processes, and challenges. A student from Lithuania noted:
“I really enjoyed that in Riga we could see the circular economy in practice—not only in lectures, but also through municipal work, the university’s sustainability initiatives, and the visit to Getliņi. This week helped me understand that sustainability is not an abstract concept, but a set of concrete solutions in which students can also take part.”
The BIP mobility “Exploring the Circular Economy in Riga” demonstrated that international and interdisciplinary learning are essential for fostering sustainable thinking. For students, it provided an opportunity to work in teams, compare experiences from different countries, and analyse circular economy solutions in the Baltic context. For the UL, the programme represented a valuable contribution to strengthening international cooperation and integrating sustainability into the study process.
 hosted the on-site part of the Erasmus+ Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) “Exploring the Circular Economy in Riga”. The programme brought together more than 30 international guest and FESS students. During the week, participants explored how circular economy principles are implemented in business, public governance, higher education, and urban development.){kind=link}