Public procurement has the potential to play a transformative role in the transition to a circular economy.

However, despite the significant purchasing power of public authorities across the EU, the uptake of circular and green procurement criteria remains limited. What's more, increasing market concentration in the waste management sector has reduced competitive pressures and constrained private investment. Strengthening demand for recycled materials and ensuring fair competition are therefore critical to supporting an efficient circular economy. 

The new EU Public Procurement Regulation, published in September 2026, aims to help address these challenges by strengthening demand for European recycled materials and supporting fair competition in the waste and resource management sector.

Part of Ecomondo, an international meeting point for those working on the green and circular economy, this session will present the Public Procurement Regulation and include a panel discussion on a new public procurement framework for competition and circularity. 

It will take place in person and in English at 14:00-15:30 CET on 5 November, at the Rimini Expo Centre. Find out more and register for the session.