Towards a European network of public buyers

Objectives

ASSORUP intends to promote several strategic initiatives:

• Boosting professionalisation and introducing support tools and policies (training, incentives) in the new EU Directives 2026.
• Developing a comparative report on professionalisation in public contract management across EU Member States.
• Creating a European network of public buyers/professionals to foster knowledge, optimisation and exchange of best practices.
• Launching a national and European certification pathway for public buyers to ensure proper use of resources, efficiency and fair market access.
• Organising an international conference in Italy (October 2026) to officially present the network and discuss the new EU Directives.

Why it is important

Public procurement is a decisive lever not only economically but also for innovation and sustainable development.
The OECD Outlook (December 2025) highlights procurement as a strategic pillar of economic resilience.
A European network and a shared certification system will strengthen the professionalism of buyers and the trust of institutions and citizens.
Strengthening transparency and solidity in the procurement system contributes to the UN 2030 Agenda.
Public and private organisations receive a direct benefit from this advocacy activity carried out in the interest of European citizens.

Project Team

ASSORUP has formed a project group composed of professionals and university professors with international experience.
International coordination is entrusted to Ivo Locatelli (former Senior Expert of the EU Commission) and Daniele Ricciardi (ASSORUP President).
Scientific coordination involves Alfonso Maria Cecere, Vinicio Brigante (University of Naples Federico II),
Vanessa Manzetti (University of Pisa), Roberto Caranta (University of Turin),
Claudio Galtieri (ASSORUP CTS President), Antonio Bertelli, Pier Luigi Gianforte.
Operational coordination is entrusted to Maria Vittoria Marchetti with the support of Niccolò Grassi and Francesco Guerriero.
Young trainees and experts from EU Member States will collaborate.

Call for Support

ASSORUP invites institutions, associations, universities and sector operators to:

• Share contributions and proposals for building the network.
• Support the professionalism of public buyers in public procurement.
• Support the certification initiative in the procurement sector.
• Actively participate in the 2026 Conference.