Swedwatch, Sustainability & the Public Procurement Directive

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Swedwatch has secured a place in the EU's Stakeholder Expert Group on Public Procurement (SEGPP) (Credit: Unsplash)
Swedwatch has secured a place in the EU's Stakeholder Expert Group on Public Procurement (SEGPP) amid a review of the 2014 Public Procurement Directive

Swedwatch, a key player in promoting sustainable global supply chains, has earned a position in the European Commission’s Stakeholder Expert Group on Public Procurement (SEGPP). This role is a significant boon for the non-profit as the EU plans to amend its 2014 Public Procurement Directive.

The current directive revision could notably enhance the lives of millions of workers globally, particularly those involved in providing services from textile production to construction and beyond for the public sector.

"Our research shows that workers in the public sector's supply chain continue to be exposed to labour violations and human rights abuse," asserts Sofia Käll, who leads Swedwatch’s engagement with the group.

Sofia Käll, Programme Officer at Swedwatch

"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." 

The SEGPP, consisting of chosen experts and bodies, will assist the European Commission in revamping procurement regulations to include obligatory social and environmental criteria.

Swedwatch's inclusion reflects its strong dedication to pushing for sustainability and human rights adherence in procurement practices. As an independent, non-profit research organisation, Swedwatch seeks to empower rights holders and encourage responsible business behaviours. It plays a crucial role in highlighting the repercussions of unsustainable business operations on people and the environment. Additionally, it connects with significant stakeholders like the European Commission to induce change.

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Challenges with the existing directive

The current Public Procurement Directive inadequately addresses vital ethical and environmental issues.

Under the prevailing framework, procurement activities throughout the EU seldom go beyond cost considerations, with the directive only recommending rather than mandating the incorporation of sustainability standards. Such voluntary measures leave significant loopholes, making it challenging to hold corporations accountable for human rights breaches or environmental degradation.

Moreover, procurement officials encounter hurdles in disqualifying bidders who do not adhere to basic labour laws or human rights mandates. This limitation impairs the EU's broader sustainability and human rights objectives.

To bridge these gaps, Swedwatch promotes not only legislative changes but also advocates for enhanced support and training for public procurement officials throughout the EU Member States.

Sofia explains: "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."

The organisation encourages the European Commission to allocate more resources for building the capacity of procurement authorities. Suggested improvements include practical tools and shared platforms for monitoring supplier compliance, which could significantly boost transparency and accountability in procurement processes. Swedwatch's perseverance in these efforts highlights its commitment to shaping a more sustainable and ethical procurement landscape within the EU.

Hans Bax, an Executive Procurement Consultant at BPC

Swedwatch are not the only ones bringing their thoughts to the table, as other notable recent appointments to the SEGPP include Hans Bax, an Executive Procurement Consultant at BPC, who expressed: "This appointment is both a privilege and a responsibility, as it allows me to contribute to shaping the future of public procurement policy in the European Union."

Aleksandra Czajka, a Public Procurement Specialist at the Global Organic Textile Standard, is also grateful for the opportunity as she "looks forward to engaging with the fellow experts to exchange ideas, share insights and contribute to creating a more efficient and sustainable procurement system." 

Aleksandra Czajka, Public Procurement Specialist at the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS)

Public consultation on the directive’s future

As part of the revision process, the European Commission has launched a public consultation to evaluate the performance of the 2014 Public Procurement Directives.

Stakeholders and members of the public are invited to share their perspectives and evidence on how well the directives have achieved their objectives.

The evaluation aims to determine whether the directives remain effective, cost-efficient and relevant in addressing current challenges.

Swedwatch celebrated its 20 year anniversary in 2024

As the EU reviews its procurement framework, the inclusion of Swedwatch in the SEGPP offers a significant opportunity to influence policy and practice.

With its evidence-based approach and clear recommendations, Swedwatch is well-placed to drive progress towards a more sustainable and ethical European market.


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