How to reform the European Union’s procurement directive to foster robust tools for green public procurement
IISD 2025.
Public authorities can significantly reduce the environmental impact of their purchases by using credible eco-labels and certification schemes. However, many still face practical and legal barriers when applying these tools in green public procurement (GPP). This brief explains how the European Union could update its procurement directives to enable wider use of robust GPP instruments — making procurement both simpler and more sustainable.
By Sharmila Erizaputri and Ronja Bechauf, November 6, 2025