Two new videos promote Socially Responsible Public Procurement
The European Commission has published two animated videos aimed at the promotion of Socially Responsible Public Procurement. The two videos, produced within the context of the WeBuySocialEU project are aimed at respectively public procurers and social economy organisations.
The video for public procurers aims to encourage them to consider Social Economy Enterprises for their tenders. It highlights that these organisations, which employ 3,5 million people across the EU and account for 8% of its GDP, are driven by shared values and place the common good over profit. SEE’s provide services and training for marginalised groups, create meaningful job opportunities, and champion gender equality, ethical finance, circular practices, fair trade, social innovation and access to healthcare and social housing.
As these organisations contribute to social cohesion and equality, they can be help public buyers use their purchasing power to achieve social goals. However, they are often hesitant to compete for tenders with profit-driven corporations in the European single market. Public procurers can help them by adding social clauses to tenders or by reserving contracts for social enterprises. Yet, even when public procurers do take social considerations into account, they don’t often reach enough social enterprises, as they are unfamiliar with (socially responsible) public procurement.
The second video is aimed at the social economy sector, aiming to increase its awareness of SRPP. It highlights that public procurement accounts for 14% of the EU’s GDP and has a great potential to contribute to social policy goals, noting that SRPP encourages public buyers to look beyond mere price and quality, considering how products are produced, sourced, and delivered. Furthermore, SRPP can promote job opportunities for marginalized individuals, gender equality, accessibility, support social enterprises, and foster the circular economy.
More information about the WeBuySocialEU project can be found here.
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