ACR+ calls for stronger focus on sustainability in Public Procurement Directives revision

ACR+ has released a position paper outlining key recommendations for the ongoing revision of the EU Public Procurement Directives, aiming to strengthen the role of procurement in supporting sustainability and the circular economy. This position paper was also the basis to ACR+’s response to the European Commission’s public consultation on the topic. It stresses that the revision represents a critical opportunity to transform public procurement into a strategic lever for achieving the EU’s climate and environmental goals, provided that adequate technical and financial support is made available to contracting authorities. 

Among its priorities, ACR+ advocates for a shift towards prioritising quality and sustainability over the lowest price in procurement decisions, the introduction of mandatory Green Public Procurement (GPP) criteria and targets, and the simplification of procedures to support small and innovative market players. The paper also highlights the need to reinforce cross-border procurement and local supply chains within the EU’s single market, alongside measures to help public authorities implement sustainable procurement. ACR+ encourages stakeholders to engage in shaping the future of public procurement in Europe, as the revision process continues. 

Read the entire position paper and our response to the public consultation.