Only 57% of Italian municipalities applied green procurement criteria in 2026, revealing a gap in sustainable public spending
Executive summary: In 2026, Legambiente calculated that Italian municipalities applied green procurement standards in only 57% of their tender cases. Low adoption undermines Italy’s climate goals, reduces demand for eco‑friendly goods and services, and may affect eligibility for EU green‑funding programmes.
Who is involved: Legambiente (research body), Italian municipalities and capoluoghi, public procurement offices, and suppliers of sustainable products.
Likely next: Pressure from the EU and national authorities may lead to stricter reporting requirements, training programmes for procurement staff, and possible financial incentives to raise the share of green tenders.
Legambiente’s 2026 Osservatorio Appalti Verdi report shows that just over half of Italy’s local governments are using environmentally friendly tender specifications. The figure falls short of national targets and EU guidance that encourage higher adoption of green criteria in public contracts. The slow uptake suggests both administrative barriers and limited awareness among procurement officers.
Timeline
- — Appalti verdi, applicati dai comuni solo nel 57% dei casi (Il Sole 24 Ore — Economia)
Analysis — what this means
Likely next events
- EU monitoring of member‑state compliance with the 2024 Green Public Procurement Directive.
Sectors affected
- Public procurement
- Construction and infrastructure
- Green technology and eco‑friendly supplies
Regulatory implications
- Enforcement of EU green procurement rules
- National guidelines for sustainable tender criteria
Historical parallels
- Italy’s 2020 green procurement pilot showed similar sub‑50% uptake.
- The EU’s 2019 Circular Economy Action Plan faced slow implementation in several member states.
Sources
- Appalti verdi, applicati dai comuni solo nel 57% dei casi — Il Sole 24 Ore — Economia