Public Procurement

In the last few years, more and more European consumers attach importance to decent global working conditions, social inclusion, accessibility, ethical trade and transparency. Especially public authorities can make a major contribution to sustainable global development due to their large purchasing power (17% of the EU´s gross domestic product). By purchasing responsibly they can also promote compliance with social and environmental standards like Fair Stone. In this way, public authorities respect the ILO Conventions, ensure safe and healthy workplaces and protect the environment and natural resources.

Socially responsible public procurement in Europe

More and more public authorities, municipalities and regions already practice socially responsible public procurement (SRPP). They opt for goods and services that also deliver a positive social outcome.

The Scandinavian countries for example focus more and more on production conditions, the Netherlands and Switzerland increasingly ask for socially responsible products. Now, German municipalities and regions can jump on the bandwagon and increase their support for sustainable and green public procurement like their neighbouring countries.

Legal basis for public procurement in the EU

The EU Directives permit the setting of social and environmental conditions and the use of labels such as Fair Stone:

Directives 2004/17/EC1 (Article XXVI) and 2004/18/EC2 provide a legal basis for socially responsible public procurement.

The Comission Staff published following working document:

"Buying Social: A guide to taking account of social considerations in public procurement"