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Breaking down legal uncertainties to circular procurement

Organised by "C-PRONE"

One of the main barriers in adopting circular procurement practices is the fear of audits, litigation, and non-compliance with the legal frameworks. This often results in a highly risk-averse approach among contracting authorities which end up avoiding integrating circular economy principles into their purchasing decisions. However, many of these concerns stem from misconceptions about the legal constraints rather than actual limitations.

 

The EU public procurement directive (2014/24/EU) offers significant room to embed sustainability, and its interpretation and implementation differ across member states, influencing how contracting authorities perceive their legal space.

 

What best practices and examples do different member states have in breaking this barrier down? And how does the interpretation of the EU Public Procurement Directive differ between member states, causing difference in perceived legal space to apply circular procurement?

 

This online event aims to highlight best practices from different countries in overcoming legal fears surrounding circular procurement. It will also explore how the interpretation of the EU public procurement directive differs across member states, leading to varying levels of confidence in applying circular criteria. By bringing together legal experts and procurement professionals, the event seeks to provide clarity and practical strategies for unlocking the full potential of circular procurement within the existing legal framework.

Agenda

10:00 - 10:10  Welcome and introduction

10:10 - 10:25   Supporting policymakers, project leaders, and buyers in better using regulations to advance the circular economy| Eveline Bakker, CircuLaw

10:25 - 10:40   From Directives to practice: interpreting and implementing green public procurement across EU Member States | Jonas Voorter, University of Hasselt

10:40 - 10:55   The Circular procurement strategy in Ireland | Joanne Rourke, Dublin City Council

10:55 - 11:25  Panel discussion and Q&A

11:25 - 11:30 Closing

Friday 16 May 2025
10:00 - 11:30 (GMT +2)
Online event
Speakers
Eveline Bakker
CircuLaw

Eveline Bakker is an experienced legal counsel. Her specialisations are strategy, procurement and contracting, specifically for sustainable, climate neutral/positive and circular development. Eveline wants to contribute to a more sustainable living environment, one where the planet remains inhabitable for nature and people, now and in the future.

Jonas Voorter
University of Hasselt

Dr. Jonas Voorter studied law at Hasselt University (2016). He acquired his first professional experience by working as an attorney at a boutique law firm in Hasselt. In 2019 he chose for an academic journey and started a PhD research at Hasselt University on the legal transition towards a circular economy in the construction sector in Belgium. He successfully defended his PhD in June 2023. After working as a postdoctoral researcher at Tilburg University (NL) (2023 – 2024), he is now affiliated at Hasselt University as an assistant professor of environmental law. His main area of work is the legal transition towards a circular economy in various economic sectors, with a specific interest in waste, innovative materials, soil and urban planning. He also is a member of the Flemish Circular Economy Policy Research Centre

Joanne ROURKE
Dublin City Council

Dr. Joanne Rourke has worked in the Regional Waste Management Planning Offices in Ireland since 2016. Prior to this, her career of over 30 years included environmental science, communication, policy, research and education. In her current role, she has led many national awareness and communication campaigns as well as sustainability programmes for citizens and business. Joanne holds an MSC in Science Communication and her PhD focused on environmental risk communication, particularly in the area of waste management. Joanne is interested in interdisciplinary collaboration to enact behavioural change and tackle environmental issues.

Friday 16 May 2025
10:00 - 11:30 (GMT +2)
Online event
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