The RREUSE network representing social enterprises active in re-use, repair and recycling, has published the position paper "Buying Social and Green from Social Enterprises" on the EU 2014 Public Procurement Directive. The publication highlights policy recommendations to improve access to public procurement opportunities for social enterprises active in the circular economy, five best case studies of socially responsible and green public procurement processes involving social enterprises and current rules under the 2014 Directive that can facilitate access to procurement opportunities for social economy enterprises.

RREUSE has published the paper as it finds the existing voluntary approach to foster social and environmental considerations in public purchases insufficient to encourage using public procurement to achieve key policy objectives. Where relevant, social and green criteria should be mandatory and used jointly in those sectors that have the potential to promote an inclusive green transition, as is the case in the circular waste management activities of re-use and repair social enterprises.

Accounting for 14% of the EU GDP, public authorities’ purchasing power represents an immense potential to ensure inclusive labour markets within the circular economy and the successful implementation of social and green policy objectives. Supporting the social economy sector, including via public procurement, can facilitate the transition of the economy towards a more socially and environmentally sustainable model. However, access to public procurement opportunities by social enterprises and other social economy actors is often hindered.

For more information, and to download the paper, click here.