The European Commission’s Latest Initiatives and Future Plans in the Field of Public Procurement

• Jurisdiction: European Union
• Year: 2021
• Author: Katharina Knapton-Vierlich

Speaker

Dr Katharina Knapton-Vierlich LL.M. is Deputy Head of Unit in the Directorate-General for Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs, responsible for Access to Procurement Markets. She has been an official at the European Commission since 2003 and has worked in various areas of public procurement policy and law since 2010. Among other things, she leads the mechanism introduced in 2017 to support large infrastructure projects. Before moving to Brussels, she worked as a lawyer in Berlin for seven years, primarily in the area of ​​real estate project development. Katharina Knapton-Vierlich began her professional career in 1992 as a research assistant at the Freie Universität Berlin, after completing the second state examination in Berlin and the Masters of Laws at the University of Cambridge.

Topic

This e-presentation will delve into the latest initiatives spearheaded by the esteemed European Commission in the realm of public procurement. The primary aim is to shed light on the critical strides made thus far and the exciting avenues that lie ahead for the Commission's future endeavors.

One of the focal points of the discussion will be the groundbreaking "Guidance on socially responsible procurement." The European Commission recognizes the significance of embedding social responsibility into public procurement processes. This groundbreaking guidance represents a paradigm shift, aiming to harness the immense potential of procurement practices in fostering positive societal outcomes. By factoring in social considerations, such as fair working conditions, environmental sustainability, and diversity and inclusion, public procurement can be a catalyst for positive change, enhancing the overall well-being of citizens and creating a more equitable and compassionate Europe.

The speaker will delve into the core principles and practical strategies that underpin the "Guidance on socially responsible procurement." From empowering SMEs and local businesses to promoting circular economy principles, this initiative promises to bolster the region's economic resilience and social fabric while advancing the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals.

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