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Final text of EUDR is now published online

The document presents practical examples of how ecolabels are applied in textile procurement to support sustainability objectives. It illustrates how public authorities use certified criteria to address environmental and social impacts across textile supply chains, improve market transparency, and encourage the uptake of responsibly produced textiles within public purchasing frameworks at national and international levels.

InnoMatch supports sustainable innovation by enabling procurers to test tailored solutions. The last Open Call for funding pilot testing and proof of concept demonstrations is now open until the 4th of February. Public authorities can solve environmental, sustainability or energy-related challenges through collaboration with an innovative supplier.

The report analyses the European and Spanish policy frameworks that shape sustainable public procurement. It examines regulatory developments, key trends and practical approaches to integrating green criteria into tender documents. It also helps public authorities and market players to align procurement practices with climate, biodiversity and circular economy objectives, while responding to the constantly evolving legal and strategic requirements across all sectors in the EU.

The European Commission has launched a public consultation on revising the EU public procurement rules to modernise and simplify procedures, align them with strategic priorities like sustainability and resilience, and improve efficiency across the Single Market. Stakeholders, including authorities, businesses and civil society, are invited to submit evidence and views via the Have Your Say portal until January 26th 2026, informing a legislative proposal and impact assessment expected in 2026.

SICOVAL consists of 36 French municipalities. It designed an innovative waste management contract which moves from a focus on collected tonnes to targets for reducing waste in the territory. During the implementation of the contract, service providers commit and are financially incentivised to promote waste reduction in the territory by improving their services and engaging citizens in awareness raising campaigns.

Berlin’s public transport operator (BVG) procured the supply and installation of around 100 electric bus charging points around the city to support its transition to zero-emission buses. Using a competitive procedure with negotiation, the tender embedded strong environmental requirements and human rights and environmental due diligence across supply chains. The contract balances cost, technical quality and sustainability, setting a replicable benchmark for responsible, dialogue-based public procurement in complex infrastructure projects.

European cities are tackling the growing burden of single-use packaging waste from food and beverages, which are filling up urban waste streams. Packaging represents 36% of all plastic produced globally, and most is used once before being discarded. Cities are at the frontline of managing the environmental and economic consequences of this system. As municipalities transition toward circular economy strategies, public procurement can support the roll-out of reuse systems at scale.

The opening ceremony of Águeda as European Green Leaf 2026 will take place on 8 January 2026. The event will begin with a reception for participants, followed by an opening ceremony featuring a student performance, videos and the ceremonial presentation of the Green Leaf Award Plaque by local green ambassadors. High-level formal speeches by local, regional, national and EU representatives, including Patrick Child, Deputy Director-General of DG Environment (European Commission).

On 4-5 September 2025, Viladecans, European Green Leaf 2025, welcomed a delegation from the Portuguese city of Águeda, European Green Leaf 2026. Viladecans ends its year as Green Leaf city hosting the local edition of the Spanish National Conference on the Environment (CONAMA Local) on 2-4 December.

On 8 December the first Water Resilience Forum brought together key stakeholders to address water scarcity, climate change and solutions to build a water-resilient EU by 2050. The event followed the adoption of the European Water Resilience Strategy, and was organised by the European Commission in collaboration with the European Committee of the Regions and the European Economic and Social Committee.

The European Commission's event brought together cities, experts and policymakers to promote cleaner and healthier air across Europe. It fostered dialogue between science and policy, explored innovation and assessed progress toward clean air objectives within the EU’s zero pollution vision. Speakers included representatives from Vilnius, the EU Green Capital 2025, who shared their vision for cleaner and more liveable cities.

The European Green Capital 2026 Opening Ceremony in Guimarães will take place on 9 January and will begin with a high-level political commitment ceremony, bringing together EU, national and city leaders for speeches, discussions on cities’ role in the European Green Deal and the signing of the 'Guimarães Declaration'. In the afternoon, mayors will attend invitation-only meetings and site visits, while city practitioners and technicians join parallel sessions on collaboration, strategy implementation and networking among the European Green Capital and Green Leaf cities.

The Public Sector Loan Facility is an instrument under the EU Just Transition Mechanism that helps regions mitigate the social and economic impacts of the green transition to achieve the EU’s climate objectives. It supports regions, sectors and communities heavily dependent on carbon-intensive industries and funds projects addressing social, economic and environmental challenges arising from the transition.

Stay tuned! The European Urban Initiative(EUI) new call for innovative action projects will be launched in early 2026. A total budget of around EUR 60 million from the European Regional Development Fund is planned, with support for approximately 30 projects across Europe. Specially oriented to small and medium-sized cities, cities with limited experience in EU funds and/or in the field of innovation.

The EU Citizen Energy Advisory Hub will provide technical support to 120 selected beneficiaries to shape the next generation of citizen energy projects. Open to energy communities, groups of citizens, SMEs, non-profit organisations and local authorities. Deadline 16 January 2026.

'EU funding & me' is the official app from the European Commission, offering on-the-go access to funding opportunities, programmes, project results, and the latest news and events.

The EU Covenant of Mayors has released a new generation of guidance materials to support the development of Sustainable Energy and Climate Action Plans (SECAPs) to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, adapt to climate impacts and tackle energy poverty at the local level.

The European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) has launched a new Knowledge and Innovation Community (KIC) dedicated to water, marine, and maritime sectors and ecosystems. It will adopt an integrated approach supporting entrepreneurial education and skills development, innovation projects, and business creation. Its priorities will be water scarcity, drought and floods, ecosystem degradation and circular and sustainable blue economy.

The EU LDT Toolbox is a set of interoperable tools that enable cities to build and use 'Local Digital Twins' (LDTs) for simulation and data-driven decision-making. LDTs may help in mobility, energy, urban health, urban planning, sustainability and many other areas.