Manifesto for establishing minimum standards for public canteens across the EU

Every year, public authorities across Europe spend over €2 trillion on public procurement — that’s 14% of the EU’s GDP. This massive sum could become a powerful lever for climate action, quality jobs, and local economies. But today, much of that money flows into supply chains that are unsustainable and far from Europe. Through the BESA – Buy European and Sustainable Act campaign, we call for a reform of the EU procurement rules that rewards companies that produce in Europe and respect the environment. Discover why this fight concerns us all.

After unveiling the first part of its report at Forum Compraverde Buygreen last May, the Osservatorio Appalti Verdi returns with a new spotlight on how Italian municipalities are applying Green Public Procurement. The new findings will be presented on July 2 in Rome during the 12th edition of Ecoforum, Legambiente’s national conference on circular economy. This second chapter of the Observatory’s 8th Annual Report zooms in on local governments, comparing the performance of capital cities with that of smaller municipalities.

How can small municipalities make their public procurement more sustainable, even when resources and technical capacity are limited? What practical tools are available to help mayors, school principals and local administrators make greener, more informed choices? These are the questions at the heart of the upcoming webinar “Sustainable Procurement for Small Municipalities”, taking place on 24 June 2025, from 14:00 (CET). The event is organised within the framework of the proCURE project, co-funded by Erasmus+ and promoted by Fondazione Ecosistemi together with international partners.