The event was held through a video conference and brought together representatives of the "Environment" sector, business, NGOs, and municipalities. The topic was related to energy efficiency, energy-saving models, and the role of public authorities in achieving a circular public procurement. The Bulgarian Recycling Association presented to the audience cases and examples from the Region of Eastern Macedonia and Greece, which aroused great interest on the part of Bulgaria. A key element in the meeting was the presentation of the Regional Guidebook, developed by the Association in a consortium with the project partners. The innovative document combines available information on the circular economy, as well as practical examples of circular criteria in each phase of public procurement.
It was discussed what measures are needed for the wider use of circular criteria in public procurement. In the first place, dialogue and cooperation between public authorities and suppliers throughout the product chain are essential in order to enable circular procurement. This communication can only be effective when both parties are fully aware of the benefits of the circular award and the criteria that can be used. Stakeholders expressed a desire to participate in various forms of training to improve their administrative capacity and make informed management decisions on the use of circular criteria in public procurement.
The next important step in the discussion was the development of an Action plan to be implemented and monitored in phase 2 of the project. The Action plan detail how the lessons learned from the cooperation will be applied in each region. The development of the actions describes in detail the lessons learned from the other project partners and will help to improve waste management.
The conclusions that have been drawn include the need for expanded dialogue with the market and to cover a wider range of suppliers, recycling operators, manufacturers, and designers.
