As part of the ongoing ‘Organisation of workshops in the 27 Member States to develop a dialogue on the use of strategic public procurement (green, social and innovation)’, Romania hosted 15th workshop under the project on 11 June 2024.

The workshop was hosted and held by PricewaterhouseCoopers with the support of the national National Agency for Public Procurement. The event brought together a diverse group of approximately 30 participants, all of whom play a crucial role in Romania’s public procurement landscape. This included representatives from various ministries, public institutions mainly involved in the social domain, construction, innovation and public transport.

They engaged in discussions on identifying barriers for public buyers and crafting solutions, collectively outlining a roadmap to enhance strategic procurement in Romania. The workshop featured productive exchanges, with stakeholders divided into thematic breakout sessions focused on innovation, green and socially responsible procurement. 

The first session focused on evaluating the current practices and identifying the obstacles faced in the three dimensions of public procurement. The participants highlighted similar types of obstacles across the three dimensions, reflecting the common challenges faced at a national level.

In the second and third phase, the participants collaborated to brainstorm solutions and actions to improve the current situation. They were able to establish a first draft roadmap, with the aim of enhancing strategic public procurement in Romania. Once finalised and approved, the final roadmap can serve as a guideline for future actions and strategies in the field of public procurement.

The workshop served as a great continuation of the discussions and work initiated under the National Strategy in the field of Public Procurement 2023-2027 and an additional boost towards the implementation of actions to uptake strategic public procurement.

The workshops highlighted the participants’ commitment and eagerness to transform and improve the current public procurement standards. The insights and outcomes from the workshop have the potential to significantly contribute to the development of the national and European landscape.