MedCities actively participated in the 2nd International ProcuraMED Workshop, dedicated to exploring how strategic procurement can activate innovative circular value chains across the Mediterranean region. The event brought together public authorities, experts, and stakeholders to delve into EU-level policy frameworks and present successful practices from key sectors such as textiles, plastic waste, and organic waste management.

The workshop featured presentations of Interreg EURO-MED Innovative Sustainable Economy projects that link public procurement with the circular economy, including:

· VERDEinMED (“PreVEnting and ReDucing the tEXtiles waste mountain in the MED area”): This project promotes circular economy practices throughout the textile sector’s entire value chain. It seeks to significantly reduce textile waste through innovative tools and awareness-raising activities targeting diverse audiences across the Mediterranean.

· CircleMED: Aiming to transform the Mediterranean into a region based on circular and climate-neutral economies, CircleMED accelerates the adoption of sustainable practices across civil, industrial, and institutional systems. Among its key tools are an innovative Circular Assessment Tool for SMEs, the creation of a transnational network of territorial circular hubs, and the development of strategies for scaling and transferability throughout the region.

· GreenSmartMed: Focused on the green transition of Mediterranean manufacturing value chains, this project is developing and testing a new integrated methodology and toolkit to foster innovation uptake through 4-helix cooperation (academia, industry, government, and civil society). GreenSmartMed supports SMEs in turning sustainability challenges into growth opportunities, strengthens links with regional authorities, and facilitates access to EU funding, particularly within the framework of Smart Specialisation Strategies (RIS3).

The workshop concluded with a participatory discussion where attendees assessed the conditions necessary for implementing, adapting, and replicating these approaches in different regional and local contexts.

In parallel, on May 19th, the Steering Committee of the ProcuraMED project met to review recent progress and plan upcoming activities. Special attention was given to the design of capacity-building programmes targeting local public administrations and SMEs, focusing on Green Public Procurement (GPP) and Public Procurement for Innovation (PPI). Some of the examples can be found in the MedUrbanTools open platform (managed by MedCities).

The town of Narni, Italy, hosted the meeting during the 19th and 20th of May.