The Long and Difficult Road to Put Green Public Procurement (GPP) Criteria into Effect: Lessons from Greece

Abstract

In recent years, the legislative and policy landscape concerning Green Public Procurement (GPP) in Greece has undergone progressive transformations aimed at aligning it with the European regulatory framework. Despite notable instances of advancement, inherent challenges and obstacles in the execution and enforcement processes demand attention. Our investigation, based on a comprehensive examination of the Greek legal framework and the provisions outlined in the Greek GPP National Plan, complemented by extensive research on GPP implementation within the public sector, has provided valuable insights into the systemic obstacles hindering the effective consolidation of GPP practices. These include the predominantly voluntary nature of GPP initiatives, regulatory fragmentation, and deficiencies in training and environmental awareness within the public sector. To effectively integrate GPP criteria into procurement processes, we advocate for strengthening political commitment toward GPP, alongside the introduction of mandatory regulatory provisions for GPP. Furthermore, we emphasize the importance of fostering a collaborative innovation ecosystem involving multiple stakeholders to effectively activate GPP initiatives.