Public procurement is one of the areas where it is possible to achieve progress in making transnational corporations accountable, particularly with a view to making public policies consistent and coherent. In Europe, since the last revision of the EU directives on public procurement, there have been numerous examples of socially and environmentally responsible public procurement policies and practices.
The city of Barcelona can be considered as a pioneer in Europe in recognising the extra-territorial responsibility of its urban social metabolism, in particular to the extent that it affects the countries of the Global South. Since 2016, in addition to introducing a significant degree of transparency in its public spending, the city has adopted innovative regulations in this area, in the form of municipal decrees as well as guidelines and instructions applicable to the various sectors of procurement. However, there is still considerable room for improvement in monitoring public procurement contracts and their impact on human rights and the environment.
Photo: Mr Xerty