Staying on Track: a Snapshot of the EU's Sustainability Transformation in Public Procurements

Abstract

This chapter examines the European Union’s (EU) evolving sustainability agenda, highlighting the growing integration of geopolitical, industrial, and economic security concerns. Circularity is increasingly framed as a strategic tool to support decarbonisation, competitiveness, and supply chain resilience. This new vision valorises public procurement, which remains a strategic instrument for achieving the EU’s industrial and security goals while maintaining its social model. The research explores the integration of key EU-level frameworks, including the Level(s) reporting tool, the revised green public procurement criteria, and the new Construction Products Regulation. Furthermore, it assesses the EU’s frameworks against national implementation, offering a more detailed examination of the Italian experience. The 2025 Italian minimum environmental criteria for buildings illustrate how mandatory requirements, life cycle assessment, and verification mechanisms can enhance green public procurement. Ultimately, the author stresses a persistent gap in judicial compliance and a lack of uniform remedies, which risks undermining the operationalisation of these ambitious goals. The paper concludes that while the Italian procedural model provides a robust blueprint for effectiveness, further harmonisation is welcomed and essential to prevent market fragmentation