WP2: Due diligence in public procurement
We are investigating the application of due diligence rules in public procurement, with a focus on European and Belgian legislation.
The power of public procurement
European public procurers purchase goods and services that originate from complex, global supply chains. These supply chains continue to be associated with well-documented risks, including forced labour, inadequate wages and unsafe working conditions. Public procurement accounts for around 15 per cent of the EU’s GDP, meaning that decisions on public procurement can influence suppliers’ behaviour on a large scale. This is the rationale behind socially responsible public procurement (SRPP): using the government’s purchasing power to prevent harm and promote decent work.
Our research focus
In this work package, we are examining how public authorities integrate social and human rights considerations into their procurement practices within the framework of the EU Public Procurement Directive (2014/24/EU). We examine the application of human rights due diligence in public procurement, the challenges faced by public procurers, and the role of intermediary actors – such as knowledge centres, civil society organisations, multi-stakeholder initiatives and consultants – in supporting its implementation. In addition, the work package monitors and contributes to the ongoing policy debate on the future of socially responsible public procurement in Europe.
Publications
Articles in peer-reviewed journals
Helsen L, Huyse H (2026;), "The missing middle: intermediaries as enablers of HRDD in socially responsible public procurement". Journal of Public Procurement, Vol. ahead-of-print No. ahead-of-print. https://doi.org/10.1108/JOPP-01-2026-0009
Policy briefs
Helsen, L., & Huyse, H. (February 2026). Socially Responsible Public Procurement: the central role of supporting structures. HIVA, KU Leuven.
Huyse, H., & Helsen, L. (July 2025). Socially Responsible Public Procurement: moving beyond islands of innovation and success? Policy Brief 1 – SRPP Review 2.0. HIVA, KU Leuven.
News
Watch all news
Navigating the maze: MEDIATE workshop on HREDD tools
On 10 June 2026, MEDIATE brought together a diverse group of stakeholders in Brussels—including representatives from government, business, civil society, academia, and the private sector—to explore how Human Rights and Environmental Due Diligence (HREDD) tools can support meaningful change in practice.
MEDIATE Workshop: the role of intermediaries in times of uncertainty about due diligence
On 3 December 2025, experts from voluntary sustainability standards (VSS), multi-stakeholder initiatives and civil society came together to exchange views on how they navigate an increasingly unpredictable due diligence landscape.
European Parliament event on socially responsible procurement
Policymakers, researchers and SMEs discussed in the European Parliament how public procurement can better strengthen social rights and sustainability.
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