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Swedwatch appointed to EU expert group on public procurement
Swedwatch has been appointed as a member of the European Commission’s Stakeholder Expert Group on Public Procurement (SEGPP). This appointment comes at a pivotal moment as the Commission embarks on a revision of the EU’s 2014 Public Procurement Directive. Integration of mandatory social and environmental criteria into the Directive has the potential to significantly improve the lives of millions of workers in global procurement supply chains.
-Our research shows that workers in the public sector’s supply chain continue to be exposed to labour violations and human rights abuse. The revision of the Directive has the potential to deliver significant benefits for such workers — whether they are producing textiles for our hospitals or working in the construction or service industry, says Sofia Käll, who is leading Swedwatch’s engagement in the group.
As announced by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s 2024–2027 political guidelines, the Commission recently commenced with the review of the current Public Procurement Directive. In support of this initiative, the expert group SEGPP will provide high-level input from key stakeholders. Swedwatch has been appointed as a member and has earned its seat through a rigorous selection process, underscoring its commitment to promoting sustainable procurement practices.
Critical shortcomings in the directive
Under current Public Procurement Directive, only a small share of procurement procedures incorporate criteria beyond lowest price. This stems partly from the directive’s voluntary approach to integrating social or environmental criteria, which makes enforcement challenging.
Another critical shortcoming in the current directive is the limited ability of procuring authorities to assess and exclude companies or bidders that fail to comply with human rights and labour laws. These legal gaps pose challenges to promoting fair and ethical procurement.
In addition to advocating for legislative revisions, Swedwatch will call on the Commission to facilitate capacity-building and provide additional resources for procurement officials across EU Member States.
-Efforts to raise awareness and build knowledge among contracting authorities — such as effective monitoring of supplier compliance and incorporating sustainability criteria — are as crucial as addressing the legislative shortcomings, says Sofia Käll.
FACT BOX:
Sustainable public procurement – why is it important?
Public procurement in the EU accounts for 2 trillion EUR, or 14% of GDP. Many procured goods come from regions with significant human rights and environmental risks. By imposing social and environmental standards, contracting authorities can leverage their substantial buying power to improve working conditions and address supply chain environmental concerns.
Join our digital OECD Forum side-session
Swedwatch has hosted several webinars on sustainable public procurement and related topics. On 10 February, Swedwatch will host a digital side-session during the 2025 OECD Forum on Due Diligence in the Garment and Footwear Sector, exploring the intersections between the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) and public procurement.
Learn more and register here:
https://events.teams.microsoft...
Attached is Swedwatch´s postion paper "Key consideration for sustainable public procurement". (An updated version will be launched shortly).
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Swedwatch är en ideell och politiskt obunden researchorganisation. Vårt mål är att företag, investerare och stater ska ta ansvar för mänskliga rättigheter och miljö och att rättighetsinnehavare kan göra sina röster hörda.
