Procura+ Seminar 2025 - Programme

This capacity building session will offer a comprehensive perspective on the effective and responsible management of public procurement processes, from initial needs assessment to contract execution monitoring. Specifically, participants will explore how to design strategic procurement processes in line with institutional objectives and market capabilities. They will learn to identify the most appropriate procurement procedures and manage the timing of a tender with confidence and clarity. The session will delve into selecting suppliers in a way that promotes diversity and inclusion, effectively using supplier diversity data and managing the vendor register. Participants will further hear how to integrate sustainability into procurement processes, not as an obstacle, but as an opportunity, integrating environmental and social criteria into tender documents without limiting competition. Finally, tools for monitoring contract execution and verifying compliance with key contractual obligations will be covered. 

Human rights due diligence in public procurement is essential to ensure that value chains respect fundamental social rights and avoid labour violations, discrimination and unsafe conditions. This session will seek to provide practical tools and strategies to identify, mitigate and monitor these risks. The topic of supplier responsibility and meaningful social criteria in contracts will be addressed, in line with global frameworks such as the United Nations Guiding Principles. By strengthening the role of public procurement in promoting ethical and transparent supply chains, this session contributes to generating lasting social impact and responsible public spending. 

Inspired to get started with low-carbon procurement, build capacity, but wondering how? The CO2 Performance Ladder is an easy and proven effective tool to make procurement more sustainable. By incentivising CO2 reduction among contractors with a notional discount on the tender, organisations can procure in a socially responsible manner. There’s more than 15 years of experience with the tool in the Netherlands and the Ladder is currently being implemented in several countries across Europe. 

• Dive deep into the content of the tool; 
• Hear practical examples;
• Develop a plan to implement the CO2PL in your organisation’s procurement; 
• Learn about support offered by the owners of the tool, SKAO, and partners. 

This hands-on session will explore and shape a procurement strategy for a 5km long landmark structure expected to serve the next 80 years — and set standards for the decades ahead. Participants will:   

• Work through real scenarios: renovation vs. new construction
• Discuss how to integrate climate goals, digitalisation, SME involvement and long-term maintenance into contracts
• Exchange experience and strengthen your strategic procurement perspective, including monitoring and indicators

This is more than a choice between two technical options. It is an opportunity to create a project that could inspire infrastructure across Europe. 

This advanced training session is designed for public buyers seeking to strengthen their strategic approach to market dialogue within the context of sustainable and innovation-driven procurement. Drawing from a comprehensive needs assessment, the session will address key challenges such as market readiness, risk aversion in innovation procurement, and limited SME participation. Participants will explore practical methodologies for engaging suppliers early and effectively, especially when market maturity is low or innovative solutions are emerging.

Public authorities can leverage circular public procurement to limit waste and promote sustainable economic models. Yet, many face challenges with turning ambition into action. This session will equip participants with concrete strategies, tools, and good practice examples to integrate circular considerations into public procurement. This session will present the EIB’s new C3 guide on circular public procurement, designed to support cities at all levels of maturity. The guide provides examples of tools and criteria to promote circularity, as well as insights on using procurement strategically to advance both circular economy policies and wider EU objectives. This interactive session will explore:  

• How to design procedures that support circular business models such as reuse, leasing, and refurbishment, 
• How to embed circular considerations within existing procurement procedures,  
• Tools to evaluate the environmental impact of circular products and services, 
• Approaches to involve SMEs and businesses in circular supply chains, and 
• Models to finance circular solutions sustainably

What is Zeeland? The 'This Is Zeeland" special exhibition in the Zeeuws Museum is a journey through the identity of the region. Is it a land of nature, sun, sea and mussels? This exhibition invites you to discover the identity of the region through centuries of art, craftsmanship, and personal stories. From iconic tapestries and works by Mondriaan to contemporary shell installations, the collection offers a fresh perspective on Zeeland’s rich and complex history. Curated in collaboration with local designers, the exhibition is both thoughtful and visually striking — a quiet moment to reflect on the place hosting our event. More information here

The exhibition will be from 14-15 with a maximum number of 15 participants. 

Step into the historic heart of Middelburg and discover how this charming Dutch city is building a sustainable future — with the support of Europe. 

What you will see: 

• European-funded projects implemented by the Municipality of Middelburg 
• Energy efficiency in historic buildings 
• Climate adaptation and water management in an old urban environment 
• Educational initiatives supported through international collaboration 

This tour offers a unique opportunity to explore how European partnerships and subsidies help preserve cultural heritage while addressing today’s sustainability challenges

The tour will be from 14-15:15 with a maximum number of 15 participants. 

visit the most sustainable fire station in the Province of Zeeland — a showcase of circular construction and nature-inclusive design.  

• Built with renewable and reused materials (80% are bio-based and circular)
• Designed with nature in mind with nesting spots for birds and bats, insect hotels, and pollinator-friendly plants. 
• Developed through strong collaboration with architects, engineers and local fire service volunteers
• EU-supported innovation - co-financed through the Interreg programme promoting nature in urban spaces. 
• Sustainability in essential infrastructure - real-life example of circular principles applied in emergency public services. 

The exhibition will be from 14-16 with a maximum number of 12 participants. 

Take a short guided loop through the Provincial House and discover how sustainability is not just a policy — but part of our everyday environment.  From materials and energy use to workspaces and procurement, this is an inside look at how circularity is embedded in real operations.   

Step into the Multifunctional room—a space for brainstorms, exchanges, and practical conversations. Here, procurement professionals and solution providers meet informally to ask questions, share experiences, and build new ideas together. This space is part of Zeeland's sustainable office concept, designed with biomaterials and a commitment to circularity—an environment that reflects the province' values in procurement and collaboration.

The exhibition will be from 14-16 with a maximum number of 15 participants.